1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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.
I read a post on Facebook recently, written to teenagers who
were developing crushes. The writer advised the teen to replace the name of the
person they liked for the word love in 1 Corinthians 13. I’ve also heard
pastors encourage their congregation to do the same thing with their own names.
It’s good advice on both counts.
Love is patient. Whoa! One of the most difficult
characteristics to nurture is the very first one Paul, the author of
Corinthians, mentions. I used to cringe at the word patience, because I wanted
more. How ironic is that? Over time, God has helped me grow through circumstances
to gain more patience.
Love is kind. We talk a lot about being kind. My
granddaughter bought me a charm that said, “Kind people are my kind of people.”
I love it, and I pray every day for a kinder world.
Love doesn’t envy, boast, or think more of themselves than
others (pride.) Jesus gave the ultimate example of humility. The Son of God
died for me and you.
Love doesn’t dishonor. I enjoy a good joke, as much as the
next person, but I shouldn't put someone else down to make myself feel good.
Respect others.
Love is not self-seeking. Let’s look out for each other. Time
on earth is short compared to eternity, so why not take care of each other to
make the journey better?
Love is not easily angered. When I was young, I had a
temper, and I spent many hours praying for God to help me control it, and He
did. God hears and helps.
Love keeps no records of wrongs and does not delight in
evil. Start over every day, forgive, and rejoice in truth.
Love always trusts in God, hopes in Jesus, and perseveres
with the Holy Spirit’s help.
Love never fails because God never fails. We can’t do this
alone. We need God and each other.
Love makes a difference.