Monday, March 20th
Devotional written by Rrachel Fitzpatrick, Local Outreach Director
THE HEART OF THE GREAT COMMISSION
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
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The heart of the great commission is not just about going out and making disciples but also about loving people. We see this in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, where Paul writes that even if he had all the knowledge and faith in the world, without love, he is nothing. In other words, love is the heart of the great commission, which Jesus demonstrated when he healed the sick, fed the hungry, and forgave sins. As we go out into the world to share the gospel, let us do so with a heart of love for the sake of loving people to help meet their spiritual and material needs.
Every Tuesday, people in need come to Calvary’s campus to receive food, clothing, and community. In these moments of meeting a need and loving someone first, we experience the Holy Spirit at work. Hearts are softened, and we can have conversations that matter for eternity.
Reflection: In what practical way can you come alongside someone first and demonstrate love?
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