Read 1 Corinthians 13
I am not a fan of tunnels, especially the really long ones. The thought of being under tons of rock is spine chilling. However, it is less frightening then going over the pass with its sheer drop offs, sharp turns and steep grade. That is the purpose of a tunnel: it enables us to get through what would otherwise be dangerous, difficult or impossible. Being a Tunnel of Love enables us to do that for others - get them through the precarious, challenging, and even the mundane of life with God’s amazing love. Of all we have to do today being a Tunnel of Love is by far the most important.
It is so easy for our lives to become all about doing: what, how, when and the fear that we can’t do it all. We are like Martha, in Luke 10:38-42, rushing around trying to do everything all at the same time. Mumbling, grumbling, slamming a few pots, so everyone notices how much is being done for them. Like Martha, we are a doing disaster. Jesus’ response to all that doing was, “Martha, Martha, why are you so bothered by so many things? Only one thing is needed.” One thing? What one thing?
A scribe came to Jesus with the same problem (Mark 12:28-31): how in the world do you do everything that is demanded of a person? He was caught up in a religion of doing. In order to make sure they did and didn’t do all they were supposed to do and not do, over 600 more rules had been added to God’s Big Ten. He asked Jesus, “What is the most important? If I can’t do it all, what should I be doing?” Again Jesus answered, “Just one thing!” All the laws, all the rules, all the demands, can be fulfilled in one word: LOVE. Love the Lord your God with all your feelings, everything you believe, all that you think about, all that you are, and love others and yourself the same way. Love with all out love that choses to care and prioritizes what is best.
It is not doing, but loving! In 1 Corinthians 13, God graciously tells us how. Instead of a description, it is actually a list of verbs - what loving does (just add being or -ing – for example: love is being kind). This list is very similar to the attributes and outflowing of God’s own Spirit: being patient, kind, good, gentle, faithful and self-controlled. He wants to produce these in us, so they flow through us intentionally and unconditionally, independent of the situation.
God is love, and loving is bringing all He is in our lives to all we do in life. It is God filling us with His love and loving through us. Loving is simply allowing Him to funnel His amazing love through us into the lives of others. In other words, being a Tunnel of Love!
“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much, but love well.” (Philippians 1:10)
Make It Personal
What are some of the challenges you see others facing right now?
What does it mean to you to be a Tunnel of Love to help them get through this difficult time or situation?
How can doing become a very poor substitute for loving, or even a hindrance?
There will be a lot to do today, both with and for others. How can you make each an opportunity to be a Tunnel of Love?
Through the Day Challenge
Pay specific attention how choosing to intentionally loving makes a difference in what or how you do what you do today.
