Let’s look at verses 4-7:
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (NLT)
The reason this verse is so often read at weddings is because it is this symbol of what true love should be. It offers active words that we understand and see as real, genuine love. But I don’t think that it’s just talking about husband and wife kind of love. Those verses bring to life Christ’s love, giving a model for true, unconditional, impossible and amazing love.
Jesus loves those who need it and never has any conditions or judgments’, but instead offers forgiveness and acceptance. This is the type of love we should be living out day to day with our families, friends, strangers, and God. True love is a challenge that takes work and effort!
Have you ever for one full day gone without being rude? Or proud? Or self-seeking? Are you ever impatient? Or mean? Are you holding a grudge? Have you ever quit or lost your faith? Given up hope or just given up?
It isn't as easy as it may sound, that is why this passage is so important in our walk with God. We need to press towards trying to display this love for others and for God every day.
When we can focus on each of these elements of love, we will find weakness in our relationship with Christ and those around us. It is so important to reflect and work on our faults and failures especially when it comes to the type of love we exude daily. We have to push through the circumstances of life and grow closer to God by living out true love.
I challenge you to put this on your mirror or in your binder or wherever you will see it often this week.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
1 Cor. 13:4-7 (MSG)
1 Cor. 13:4-7 (MSG)
As you read this each day, ask these questions: Is this how you love God and others? Are you an example of true love? What areas do you need to work on when it comes love?
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