By: Curtis Schofield, Spiritual Insight

The late Johnny Cash caught the attention of the country music fans all over the world when he sang “This Thing Called Love.” The song was about a giant of a man brought to his knees by a thing called love: “Can’t see it with your eyes, hold it in your hand. But like the rules that govern our land, strong enough to rule the heart of every man, this thing called love. It can lift you up; it can let you down, take your world and turn it all around. Ever since time nothing’s been found stronger than love.”

Listening to Johnny Cash sing “This Thing Called Love” inspired me to go to my library and find an old Christian classic, “The Greatest Thing in the World” by Henry Drummond.  It was written in the nineteenth century and published by Collins Company in Scotland.

Drummond’s notes fascinated me, coming from the mind of a university professor in natural science and a committed lay member of the Church of Scotland. He was investigating the source of the amazing love for others that had recently come into his own life. Therefore, he was sharing his discovery from his study of a first century love letter written by the Apostle Paul to Christian friends. The friends belonged the Church at Corinth, which they and Paul had established in Corinth, Greece (I Corinthians 13). Paul was writing friends a love letter to help guide them through faith to be able to focus on what goodness others have to offer, and by so to overcome conflict and division.

Prayerfully read three verses of this letter.

 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. –1st Corinthians 13:1-3

Pray this simple request: Lord, I am tired of expressing resentment and feeling sorry for myself. As you love me even when I do not deserve it, be present in and through me and help me to share our love for someone you bring into my life this day.

Curtis Schofield is a retired United Methodist minister. He and his wife, Clara, have served two churches in Dade County. In retirement he volunteers through Trenton United Methodist Church to help small churches.