"Love never fails. But where
there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be
stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away." (1 Cor 13:8 NIV)
What would you prefer: Knowledge or love? Take your
time before deciding, because the decision you make can affect your life for
eternity.
And while you think
about this, let me tell you a true story.
In the spring of 1955, an insignificant dolphin
appeared in the bay of Opononi, in the Northern island of New Zealand. At first
nobody paid any attention to her. She was just a dolphin, after all! But she,
who was later called Opo, cautiously approached the beach, near the wharf.
With her playful spirit and love for children, it
wasn't long before her presence in the bay attracted attention. Especially since
she loved to juggle balls and empty beer bottles on her snout!
Before anyone knew it, Opo had made world news.
Multitudes traveled over dusty, unpaved roads, crowding into tiny Opononi to see
that special dolphin. She became an overnight sensation, and as if she sensed
how special she was, she went out of her way to show the people love and to make
everyone around her feel special.
But not everybody welcomed Opo's presence in the bay.
There was a group of fishermen who were quite upset by her presence. You see,
they knew that dolphins feed on fish, and that to stay alive, they require
a huge amount of
fish each day. They worried that the waters of Opononi bay would soon be
depleted of the fish that they, themselves, needed for their livelihood. They
did everything they knew to discourage the young dolphin, even jabbing her with
oars.
And how did Opo respond? She just kept on loving the
people of Opononi!
On the evening of March 8, 1956, the local
municipality made law that it was an offense to molest dolphins in the Hokianga
Harbour. The very next day, Opo was found dead, jammed in a crevice between two
rocks.
The people of Opononi mourned their loss. No one had
shown them such love and acceptance, even amidst hostility. Accusations flew
wide, but it was never discovered how she arrived at her untimely death.
I wonder if we, too, tend to be hostile towards others
at time, because of what we think we know about them. If our goal is not to
build up those around us, then either directly or indirectly, our actions will
tear them down. It's all a question of love.
"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." (1 Cor 8:1
NIV)
So, what have you decided: knowledge or love?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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