by Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: Pondering the lyrics of "Not for Tongues of Heaven's Angels," Sherelyn notes parallels to 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul describes the "more excellent way," that is, love.
In the song, "Not for Tongues of Heaven's Angels," #560 in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, a comparison is drawn between matters of importance and what is most important—love. In New Testament times, the apostles were given spiritual gifts and were able to bestow these gifts on others. While such were profitable, they were to be used with a proper heart (1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 31). Spiritual gifts were abolished when that which was perfect—the fully revealed Word—had come. Yet, love remains (1 Cor. 13:8-10).
How is love manifested? Love is apparent in a heart of humility. Lowliness of mind brings harmony and is the opposite of pride. Pride brings dishonor, but humility brings wisdom (Prov. 11:2). It seeks another's highest good, which is the definition of agape love.
Also, love is gentle, made evident by purposeful and self-chosen powerlessness leading to peace. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Prov. 15:1). This spirit helps restore a fallen brother (Gal. 6:1). This gentleness leads to a tender heart that is also compassionate. Hardened hearts fall into calamity and are not blessed (Prov. 28:14). Tenderness being evidenced, we will forgive others like God forgives us (Eph. 4:32).
True loyalty is a characteristic of love: "a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Prov. 17:17). Paul asks a "true companion" to assist in helping women who shared in his struggles (Phil. 4:3). Both the companion and these women were true. Titus is also noted as "a true child in a common faith" (Titus 1:4).
Love is also kind. It gives to others, even enemies, in pursuing active good will (Matt. 5:43-44). God's lovingkindness leads us to repentance and salvation (Rom. 2:4; Titus 3:4-6). Our kindness hopes the same for all men.
Graciousness creates a pleasing manner that flows from a determination to influence others for good. Words of wisdom from our lips will be merciful (Eccl. 10:12). As God forgave Israel, we should be "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness" (Neh. 9:17).
Patience, another characteristic of love, involves being long-fused. We will be "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger" (James 1:19). Our love for brethren leads us to bear with one another, even when one has a complaint against another (Col. 3:12-13).
Love lends itself to being generous of heart and mind. Pouring out love, we receive it back in kind (Luke 6:38). Generosity is manifested in good works, by which we lay up treasures in heaven (1 Tim. 6:17-19). Like the Macedonians, let us liberally give ourselves in support of the saints, abounding in all aspects of love (2 Cor. 8:1-8).
In contrast, love is not jealous, or selfish. Rivalry stemming from jealousy leads to resentment: Joseph's brothers "hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms" (Gen. 37:3-4). Selfishness destroys relationships (marriages and churches) and ruins lives. Seeking one's well-being without regard for others inflicts pain. We should regard one another as more important than ourselves (Phil. 2:3-4).
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices in truth (1 Cor. 13:6). Wicked men delight in perverseness. They walk in darkness (Prov. 2:12-15). Their end is death.
A boastful man is arrogant, but one who exalts himself will be humbled (Matt. 23:12). A braggart is unwilling to place himself in a lowly position. The Lord says that we should not boast in wisdom, might, or riches, but in knowing His lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness (Jer. 9:23-24).
Finally, love is not resentful. It "does not take into account a wrong suffered" (1 Cor. 13:5). This accounting of wrongs leads to bitterness and the desire for revenge. In 1 Peter 3:9, we are told not to return "evil for evil or insult for insult," but to give a blessing. This yearning to offer a blessing may turn a heart to Christ.
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails" (1 Cor. 13:7-8). "But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Cor. 13:13). May love's "more excellent way" be ours and abound.
Author Bio: Sherelyn is the wife of Mark Mayberry, who labors with the Adoue Street congregation in Alvin, TX as an evangelist, and elder. She can be reached at sherelynmayberry@live.com.
