Squeaky Gates…

“If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.”
1 Corinthians 13:1

Everyone remembers the squeak that an old garden gate made or the creak & slam of a derelict screen door on an old house. We often remember these familiar sounds for a very long time. Other strong memories may include a kind & helpful teacher or a person who helped us when no one else would.

Today’s verse helps us remember what actions will bring divine value to our lives. The key word here is “love”. This word comes from the Greek word “agape”. This is the type of love that is unconditional and unbounded by anything. It is the type of love that God shows to us. It is the type of love that God wants us to show to each other.

We cannot fool God. It doesn’t matter how well we speak of others or how passionate our words are towards them. If we do not unconditionally love them every time we open our mouth we’ll sound like that squeaking gate slamming shut again & again & again. God is listening for the sweet sound of love every time we open our mouth. 

This week lets allow the Holy Spirit to invest a new deposit of agape love in our lives. Lets open our Bibles and get into God’s Word. His Word will help wash away any offenses & hurts that we’re still carrying. Allow the Holy Spirit to pour His oil on our rusty hinge so that we make a new sound that is sure to bring pleasure to His ears and the ears of all who hear.