“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.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Meditation:
1 Corinthians 13 has always been the go-to portion of the Bible when it comes to defining God's kind of love. God's love far exceeds any other form of love that exists on earth. We often tend to think the love that is shown in books and romantic movies is the kind of love that matters the most. That love is often an inaccurate description of what love is meant to be. Love is not about the butterflies in the belly or the kisses at the end of the movie. The love that the media shows you is nothing compared to the love of God. Paul described God's love in these few lines but these words are powerful.
"Love endures long." This means that love is patient beyond all human reasoning. When others choose to walk away, one who loves chooses to remain and be kind. That is exactly what God did for us. He loved us and still loves us through everything - good, bad, and ugly.
"Love is not envious and it is not vain." God put us before His interests many times. He could have chosen to protect his feelings by cutting us off, but he didn't. He could have programmed us to follow his every command but He didn't do that either. He stuck to His promise of giving us the ability to choose - even if we choose against Him.
Love is not meant to be about finding ways for you to benefit from other people. God did not redeem us to fulfill His selfish intentions. He saved us so that we would not have to go through the horrors and suffering of paying for our own sins. He did this because of His love for us. Love does not rejoice in immoral or unfair behavior but always rejoices in the truth and love for others. God has always been truthful with His people, no matter what. He is for us and He corrects us when needed. Not only that but he has protected us, believed in us, provided for us and always hoped for the best from us. Where the words of man have failed, God's love has never failed. It never has and it never will. We can always be confident of that.
Prayer:
Our beloved Father in Heaven, thank you! For your Love and Grace, help us to share the “Good News of Salvation” to others, with Love and passion, everyday.
In Jesus our Blessed Savior we pray. Amen!
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