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. 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. 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 Corinthians 13:1-8, NIV

I know it seems cliché to use, “The love chapter” in February. You will probably hear it a hundred times this month. But I couldn’t resist!

Actually, I keep this verse on the doorframe of my prayer closet. These are not just “February verses,” they are “the way to live your life verses.” They are the perfect reminder to me every day that no book, speech, opportunity, accomplishment, relationship, or knowledge is worth anything if it is not surrounded and sustained by love. They are also a stunning reminder that all of the things we spend most of our time on will pass away, but love remains. They are also a reminder that the knowledge you share with your students will ultimately pass away as well (hopefully not before they start their homework though). We pray it will be practiced and applied all of their days, but ultimately, the love you show them is the only thing that will carry through to eternity.

Remember, an educator can change the world! How important is it then, for us to focus on love? Without it, Scripture says we are nothing and gain nothing.

Father, help us saturate everything we do with Your love that never fails. Amen!

Copyright Kathy Branzell.

Kathy has a heart for encouraging Christian educators and currently serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Prior to this role, she was the founder and president of Fellowship and Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators.