Words and actions without love are only clanging cymbals. We live in a time where there are a lot of strong opinions and convictions that are often expressed in a very noisy way that's more like cymbals than it is like love. St. Paul defines that "love" as patient, kind, not jealous, not rude, not quick-tempered. It's relatively easy to have those qualities in our conversations with those who agree with us. It's difficult to live St. Paul's definition of love when we're in conflict or disagreement with someone - and even more so when you or the other is so entrenched in a way of thinking that there is no possibility of dialogue at all. That's when the clanging cymbals become noisier and noisier.

Our challenge is to be attentive to our conversations - at work, at home, at school, and elsewhere - and avoid being a clanging cymbal. Differences will always exist, but let's allow our words and actions to hold true to the Word of God so we can continue to build His kingdom on earth without caving in to the negativity and clanging of cymbals.