How important is it for us to love others?  When we consider the fact that our souls are dependent on it, I think we can say that it is very important.  In one of the most popular passages on love (1 Corinthians 13), Paul puts it into perspective.

1 Corinthians 13:1 (ESV)
¹  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

The tongues of men refer to the gift of tongues, verifying that tongue speaking is simply an unlearned language.  The tongues of angels is hyperbole, denoting the highest degree of tongue-speaking ability among those created by God.  The point is this—although one may speak in the highest language, gifted with the greatest kind of speech on earth, and even in heaven, without love, it is as a noisy gong (sounding brass) or a clanging cymbal.  In other words, regardless of what is said, it is nothing but noise.

Paul’s reference to the gong and cymbal might be referring to the way that heathens worshipped their false gods.  They would sometimes use these instruments when worshipping them.  What did it profit them?  Nothing!  Such is the case when a person speaks without love.  Think of a man who preaches the Word of God.  He might be the greatest orator on earth, wowing audiences and moving crowds whenever he speaks.  Nevertheless, if he is not motivated by love, God is not impressed, and the man profits nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:2 (ESV)
²  And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

In the next chapter, Paul will emphasize the utility of prophesying, pointing out that it is a greater gift than speaking in tongues, at least if there is no one to interpret the tongue speaking.  He wrote, “…The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues…” (1 Corinthians 14:5).  The one who was able to prophesy was of great value to the church, but if he did it without love, it would be of no value to him.  In fact, he may gain all knowledge through the gift of prophecy, and it might even be accompanied with enough faith to move mountains, but without love, he is nothing.  

1 Corinthians 13:3 (ESV)
³  If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

No words could highlight the importance of love more than these.  Even our actions, regardless of how high and noble they are, are meaningless if they are not motivated by love.  They might involve great personal sacrifice; nevertheless, if our actions are not driven by love, we gain nothing from God.  Without love, we simply cannot serve the Lord properly.

These words from Paul should remind all of us that without love we cannot get one step closer to heaven because the way to heaven is paved with love (John 3:16).  Let’s make sure that whatever we do for the Lord and others, is motivated by love.  Then God is well-pleased.           

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.