1 Corinthians 13:4-5,7,13 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. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. (NLT)
Let’s start with an honest opinion: this passage is easy to read than to do!
As you read this blog today, I pray that the Holy Spirit reveals to you how to love the world around you better the way Christ has loved you (John 15:12).
Love is patient and kind.
The apostle Paul is reminding us that love is the greatest because people will hurt people. Nevertheless, as children of God, when we get hurt, which we will, we are called to respond with love, kindness and healthy boundaries because Jesus still loves us despite our shortcomings.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
We can’t say we love each other only during the good times! Paul is warning us that there are going to be bad times but are we willing to set aside our precious time to take care of other people in need? Remember, this doesn’t only include your friends and family.
Would you say you are extending kindness and love with the world around you?
This is an excellent question to ask because three things will last forever: faith, hope, and love and the greatest of these is love!
Luke 6:32 says If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. It is effortless only to love our beloved family and friends and completely ignore the world around us. The reason I am insisting on this is because today we associate love with people we like or care about, but when Paul was talking about love, he was also talking about that one person you bypass on the road or even in church every week.
Let’s change our perspective of love. Jesus loves everybody, yet we are too proud to extend that love back.
As you read: love is patient & kind, extend that love to one person outside of your small group or comfort zone.
A loving community is only one call away! Let’s together build a Christ-centered LOVING community!