I Corinthians 13:1 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”
When things are going well for us, our carnal nature tempts us to become self-satisfied and arrogant, and to neglect “charity”; that is, neglect sincerely showing our love by our actions. One might be an articulate motivational speaker; but, without “charity” his speech means nothing. One might have great wisdom and knowledge of many things and can do magnificent things; but, without “charity”, he is “nothing”. One might give great donations to help the poor; but, without “charity” his gifts bring no credit to himself. One might even endure great suffering for the cause of Christ; but, without “charity” their sacrifice credits them “nothing”. Even the most wicked people seek to glorify themselves by adopting “charity” simply for-show; but, as “ravening wolves” “in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15) are soon identified by their tracks, “charity” impostors will eventually reveal their lack of sincere “charity”. We are charged to put our God-given “faith” and “hope” into action (I Corinthians 13:13), all to the glory of our Most High God and for the joy of those around us. We are plainly told that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20,26); that is, you might have “faith”, but if “charity” doesn’t rise from your God-given “faith”, then your “faith … is dead” (useless). And, our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ tells us, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15); that is, show me that you love me by sincerely keeping “my commandments” (“charity”). And, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (I John 5:2-3); they are “not grievous” because our “love” for Him compels us to strive with all diligence to “keep [obey] his commandments”, to show forth sincere “charity”.