THE FAMILY ALTAR

September 8.

"Now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the great*

of these is charity." 1 Cor. 13:13.

Christian charity is, without doubt, the greatest virtue among

men. Like an angel of mercy, Christian charity constantly goes

through this suffering, weeping world, everywhere relieving want,

drying tears, maintaining sheltering homes for the orphans, the

aged, the poor, even for the social outcasts. But men grossly

misconstrue the meaning of the apostle when they quote this

passage in support of their false contention that we are made

acceptable before God and saved by our deeds of charity and not

by unquestioning faith in Christ, our Kedeemer. It is true, no

one can see whether or not I have true, saving faith in my heart;

but every one can see from my words and actions whether I love

my fellow-men or not. And that is the love of which Paul speaks

here. He is not treating of the love we owe to God, but of the

considerate, unselfish love we ought to show in all our dealings

with our fellow-men. That is clearly apparent from the connection.

The Corinthians had been endowed with many wonderful gifts in

their congregation. Some had the gift to speak in unknown

tongues, others had the gift of healing, and so on. (1 Cor. 12,

8 — 10.) But although they possessed these wonderful gifts, quar-

rels and contentions were rife among them. By that they showed

how much they lacked true love. Hence in this whole glorious

thirteenth chapter Paul admonishes his Corinthian Christians —

and us with them — to use the gifts God has given, not for selfish

purposes, but for the advancement of Christ's kingdom and the

welfare of our fellow-men. Not one word does he say in this

chapter of how we sinners are saved before God. He is speaking

of the fruit of faith, which is love. Where there is no love, there

faith cannot be, for true faith always worketh by love.

Teach us the lesson Thou hast taught,

To feel for those Thy blood hath bought;

That every word, and deed, and thought

May work a work for Thee.

For all are brethren, far and wide,

Since Thou, O Lord, for all hast died:

Then teach us, whatsoe'er betide,

To love them all in Thee.

And may Thy Holy Spirit move

All those who live, to live in love,

Till Thou shalt greet in heaven above

All those who give to Thee.