If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. (1 Corinthians.13.3 MSB)
Is all sacrifice love? I don't think so or else the Bible would not have considered certain sacrifices of no gain. Not all people give what they give out of love. Some actually do so to destroy.
Worldly wisdom has taught people that to destroy an enemy make an alliance with them. Do you think the devil loved Jesus in trying to offer Him all the kingdoms of the world? [Matthew 4.8-9]. In most cases, people sacrifice what they have even to the expense of their lives because they want to exploit something else from you.
But today the scripture is teaching us the basis for which sacrifice and charity should be extended. The acquisition and practice of the love of God precedes all charity. Have you heard of people who demand a return of all the help they offered? Such is not in love.
Brethren, to offer help that heaven appreciates, have firstly the love of God. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
If your sacrifice results or is a result of these qualities, then it's different from Cain's. [Genesis.4]
Hallelujah!
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