Some 2,000 years ago, the apostle Paul wrote down these words for the church in Corinth: “I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell.
“I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains — but if I have no love, I am nothing.
“I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned — but if I have no love, this does me no good. Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered of selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth.
“Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail. Love is eternal.”
Application of God’s simple guidelines might make getting along with our neighbors an easier proposition.
Larry Kribs
Idyllwild
