“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving,” once wrote Amy Carmichael.

Carmichael, born in Northern Ireland in 1867, lived at a time when women weren’t expected to travel, challenge cultural systems, or become social activists.

Amy, however, was touched and driven by the suffering she saw among young girls in India who were being abused. Under the euphemism of “temple servants,” they were being exploited in the worst possible way under the guise of religious service.

One by one, she began to rescue them. She gave them a home. She became their mother. And she told them about Jesus.

By the end of her life, Amy had rescued over 1,000 girls and founded a community called Dohnavur Fellowship, which still operates today. In four words, their mission and motive are summed up: “LOVE LEADS THE WAY.”

Amy Carmichael’s inspiring story reminds us of the practical application of Paul’s words as he introduces what we often call “The Love Chapter” in 1 Corinthians 13.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed those experiencing poverty, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”
(1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

Paul’s immortal words follow his discussion of miraculous spiritual gifts in chapter 12. Apparently, there was confusion and competition over which gift was the greatest. Some believed the ability to speak in tongues elevated them above others in the Body of Christ.

Paul shows how, just as every part of the physical body is important and adds value, so every member of the spiritual Body has a role to play.

Chapter 12 ends with this challenge and promise: “But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” The more excellent way we learn in chapter 13 is the way of love.

For the next several weeks, we will be exploring the depth of this chapter, one truth at a time. In these first three verses, Paul says, “If I don’t live a life of love, nothing matters.”

#1 Nothing I Say Will Matter.

We are impressed by great speakers. Effective communicators. Eloquent preachers. We love charisma. We enjoy being stirred, inspired, and motivated.

But God says eloquence without love does not impress Him. He doesn’t care what we say or how well we say it if we fail to live a life of love.

Living a life without love means that nothing I say will matter.

#2 Nothing I Know Will Matter.

You may be Phi Beta Kappa, or graduated Magna Cum Laude, or be a Mensa member. You could have an IQ of 169 and be considered a genius. You could be a walking Bible encyclopedia. Quote Scripture. Parse the Greek. Know the Bible inside and out.

Yet, if you lack love, it is all worthless.

We live in a time when knowledge is expanding at an unprecedented rate. It is often said that “knowledge is power.” But without love, it is all for naught.

Without love, nothing I know matters.

#3 Nothing I Believe Will Matter.

Some folks have great faith. But often we place so much value on believing that we think it is the most important factor in discipleship.

Following Christ, however, is more than just faith—even mountain-moving faith. Yes, faith is important…but it takes more. The Bible says, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).

Faith may move mountains, but only love moves people.

Faith without love is worthless.

#4 Nothing I Give Will Matter.

What if I give away all my possessions? My money? My property? Everything tangible?

What if I become a martyr for Christ, like Stephen, who was stoned? Or like James, who was beheaded? What if I am burned at the stake like Polycarp?

Without love, even the greatest sacrifice becomes meaningless.

Our theme, “Love More. Give More,” is correct. And the order matters. Love must come first. Giving is great, but if it is not based on the motive of love, then it is worthless.

One writer commented on this passage and summarized it like this:  “God says I can have the eloquence of an orator, the knowledge of a genius, the faith of a miracle worker, the generosity of a philanthropist, the achievements of a superstar, but if I don’t have love in my heart, it is worth zero. It doesn’t count.”

Over the next several weeks, we will explore Paul’s “more excellent way”—a life shaped by love, expressed through love, and remembered because of love.

—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman