Resounding Gong (Karen's Post)

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1

So, I was thinking about this first verse and what got my attention are the two sounds that Paul describes here. A resounding gong and a clanging cymbal are two really irritating and unpleasing sounds. How often do my words sound like nagging, irritating and unpleasing when they are not motivated by love??

Pastor Jimmy this weekend spoke about Barnabus (his name means brother of encouragement) and it made me wonder, if I am a Barnabus to the people that I love. Surely I can be encouraging to my friends and even my children by telling them how special they are but when it comes to my husband (the most important human relationship I have on this planet) I think my initial response is to try to correct or criticize him. The funny thing is that I think I am being helpful. but does this really motivate him or could I get the same point across by saying an encouraging word of better yet by not saying anything at all?

Paul could not have done the amazing work of spreading the Gospel "the good news" if it not for the help and encouragement of his friend Barnabus. There is enough opposition and discouragement in this world with out our help. How can I be a Barnabus to my husband and not a clanging cymbal or resounding gong. I pray that the Lord will remind me of this the next time I feel inclined to "help" my husband and I ask myself if my comment is motivated by love??

Karen