They say good things come in small packages. I was thinking about why that’s true. I guess it’s because if you’re going to give someone something, and it’s going to be small, you want to make sure it’s at least as valuable as a bigger thing. Expensive jewelry or a fine pocketknife would be examples of good things coming in small packages.
I just found a small verse at the end of 1 Corinthians that is quite good and extremely valuable. It’s 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Do everything in love.” Four words. That’s the whole verse. But the Christians in Corinth tended toward conflict, and they needed this short reminder. Do everything in love.
Now the Apostle Paul had already written chapter 13, which we call the “love chapter”: Love is patient; love is kind; it’s not selfish or easily angered, etc. But even with all that, we need one more little pointed reminder about how to live each day: in love. Not seeking our own way first, but watching out for how we can take care of others.
Jesus made it clear there are two great commandments: love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. That’s number 1. Love God with all of you, inside and out. And the second great command is to love your neighbor as yourself.
We all naturally love ourselves. When I go into a bakery for a donut, I’m looking to see if they have any nutty ones. My wife and kids like different kinds, and they’re looking for those. I’m looking for a nutty. But loving your neighbor as yourself means looking for what they would want.
We should care for others in ways bigger than donut choices, but it’s a start. Because the Bible says, “Do everything in love.”
Comments or questions for Pastor Jeff? Please email jeffgwilt@gmail.com
