If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. – 1 Corinthians 13:1

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. These words from 1 Corinthians 13:1 are a powerful reminder that our actions, no matter how impressive or spiritual they may seem, are empty and meaningless without love. The apostle Paul is not downplaying the importance of spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues. Rather, he is emphasizing that these gifts must be exercised in the context of love.

Paul’s use of the metaphor of a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal is particularly striking. These instruments, when played alone, can be loud and jarring. They can even be painful to listen to. And yet, when played in harmony with other instruments, they can add depth and beauty to music. Similarly, our spiritual gifts and actions, when exercised without love, can be jarring and off-putting. But when exercised in the context of love, they can bring beauty and harmony to our relationships and communities.

So let us ask ourselves today: are we exercising our spiritual gifts and actions in the context of love? Are we using our words and actions to build up and edify others, or are we simply making noise? Let us strive to be people who are characterized by love, and who use our gifts and abilities to bring harmony and beauty to those around us. May our words and actions be guided by the principle of love, and may we bring glory to God as we do.