“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.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
After speaking about gifts of the Spirit and unity within the body of Christ, the best way is shown. Having the best gifts of the Spirit is great, but the thing most needed is love. It does not matter what you have or what you do, if there is no love, it is worthless and meaningless.
Today’s passage shows some qualities of love. This love is the agape love, God’s love, perfect love. When you have this love in your life you will be patient with others and will not envy or dishonor others. Forgiveness will come easily because you will not keep any record of wrongs.
The best way to describe this type of love is that it is not about you at all. This love is completely about other people. It is putting them first.
God did this right from the beginning with Adam and Eve. He made the garden and everything in it for them. When they sinned, He made the garments for them to wear. Later, when Jesus died on the cross, it was for them. Everything God and Jesus did and is doing, is for others, not just themselves.
If anyone has the right to be inpatient, unkind, envious, proud, angered, or self-seeking, it is God. He is the One who made everything and did it all. He deserves everything. Yet, Jesus put everything aside, including His life, in order for you to have it all and live. This is true love.
How are you showing your love? Do you show true love when you ridicule and hate people living in sin? Do you show true love when you bring up past sins that have been dealt with? Do you show true love when you pass someone by just to help yourself?
What kind of love do you have today?
I pray today that God will reveal His love to you; that you will have the true love of God in your life for others; that God will show you how to love others His way; and that God will strengthen you to have His love for others.
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