| It hardly seems possible that anyone could wear the new clothes Paul has been listing in verses 12 and 13 (see yesterday's reading) and yet have no love (v. 14). But in 1 Corinthians 13 we see what a Christian can do and still not show any love. Here he speaks about the 'bond of love'. The mortar or cement which holds bricks together is called the 'bond'. In the same way love is that which binds the Church together. The very real temptation in any group of people is sooner or later I to tear themselves apart. Love is the one bond which will hold them together even though they may not always agree in everything else. Paul touches on three other aspects of our Christian life; the peace of Christ, the word of Christ and the name of Christ. So often that peace which Christ gives can be the guide in making decisions. For example, we can ask 'Do I have peace in my heart in doing this or that?' Whatever disturbs the peace that Christ gives must be wrong and our decision must be against that particular action. Then the thought of verse 16 is that the Christian is to be so at home in the Word of God that it will flow freely through his life. What did the Psalmist say? 'Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy Word'. If we are strangers to the Word of God, we will never I live like he wants us to live. . In verse 17 Paul speaks again of the name he loves, the name of Christ. One of the best tests of our actions is 'Can I do this thing and at the same time ask for Christ's help? Can I say it and in the same breath speak of him?' Another great characteristic of the Christian life is gratitude or giving thanks to God. Nothing so divides a church as a spirit of complaint. Nothing so brings people together in one happy spirit as thanksgiving. Try it, and see what it will do today. | 
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