1 Corinthians 13 & 14

In 1 Corinthians 13 & 14, Paul warns us that everything must be done and said in and through the love of Jesus. Gifts and service that are forced or done out of selfishness and pride, or to simply check off a "serving" box for the week, can actually cause division and confusion rather than encouragement and edification. We are called to build each other up in the Lord, not tear each other down. When we serve, our motives matter. The Church will be judged first when Jesus returns. Our sins will not be judged because if you have repented and surrendered your heart and life to Jesus, there is no sin to judge. Jesus already took that judgment for us. Our actions won't be judged either, but rather the motive for our actions will be judged. Are we serving because we love Jesus and want to express our love for Him with all of our guts? Or are we serving to check off a box? That is the question we all need to ask and resolve within ourselves. The question of our motives will be revealed as we stand before Jesus at His return. We need to serve others out of love for Jesus. We need to serve because we are so grateful He served us with His life. We need to love God with every cell in us and love others out of His great love. We need to inhale a deep breath and receive the amazing love of our Father and then exhale His love out to others around us, every single day.