Day 4: Applied Agape Love

Which matters more to God when we offer Him an offering: the gift or the giver? In 1 Corinthians 13, God says that the giver matters most – specifically, the love inside that giver’s heart.

“Do you know of a 19th-century scientist and evangelist named Henry Drummond?” Michael was on the phone, getting an update on Timothy’s quest.

At Timothy’s urging, Michael explained. “Drummond was a Scottish friend of D. L. Moody. His thoughtful writing touched millions of lives. One of his most significant works was a booklet entitled, The Greatest Thing in the World, based on his study of love in 1 Corinthians 13.”

After their phone call, Timothy went online to check out Drummond’s booklet. His first surprise was the way Drummond drilled down to right questions. His second surprise was Drummond’s grasp of the essence of a person’s ministry in any context.

Timothy’s biggest surprise was Drummond’s comparison of a light beam passing through a glass prism with God’s light shining through our hearts. A light beam comes out on the other side in its component colors. God’s light comes out on the other side in its component elements too. The first is the Spectrum of Light and the second, the Spectrum of Love!

This is the SEEcret: Applied agape love is the goal and the strategy, Timothy wrote in his journal.

Reflecting God’s Light into Our World

Christlike character is our message to those around us, far more important than what we say.

1. How did Christlikeness show in the life of Mary, Jesus’ mother (Luke 1:16–38 and 2:15–19)?
2. What Christlike character values do you see in the life of your closest friend?

Read and reflect on agape love in 1 Corinthians 13:1–8. Ponder Philippians 2:14–15.

Prayer: Father of light, please help me clearly shine Your light into my world this week.