Goodmorning! There are many definitions of the word love. Those definitions give society various viewpoints on the ways people demonstrate love. Whether there is love for family and friends, people in the church and people in the world, love is pursued every day. Today, will read Paul’s view on what love is and what it is not. Join me as we read 1 Corinthians chapter 13.

“⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT

Paul presented love in three categories:

• What love is
  • Patient
  • Kind
• What love is not
  • Jealous
  • Boastful
  • Proud
  • Rude
  • Demanding of its’ own way
  • Irritable
  • A recordkeeper of being wronged
• What consistent love shows
  • It doesn’t rejoice about injustices, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
  • It never gives up
  • It never loses faith
  • It is always hopeful
  • It endures through every circumstance

These verses are often used to describe love in marriage, but may I stretch this to reflect on Paul’s original point, that we all have spiritual gifts given to us. As we love one another, we should use our gifts appropriately and in love. It should never be in showmanship, but out of love and honor for the one and only God who gives the gift.

Finally, I want to point out the section I titled consistent love. Often times we see, hear or feel love, but at times it is inconsistent. However, the love that never fails, that never gives up, that is true, and will endure every circumstance is the love of God the Father. Sisters and brothers, if we demonstrate this type of love in our homes, marriages, schools, jobs, churches and communities more people will see the love of God within us.

Keep loving others as Christ loves you.

Who is God calling you to love today? ________

Father God, thank you for loving us as we are. Lord, thank you for your grace and mercy toward all of us. Lord, give us the wisdom and discernment to love as you have called us to love. Lord, heal our hearts from the times when others have abused or misused our love for them. Lord, you know the pain in the hearts of others and their relunctance to love as you love. Lord, today we ask that you bind that spirit of fear and pour out discernment in ways that we can hear from you and be obedient to love as you call us to love. Lord, we surrender our way to you. Lord, remove the spirit of jealousy, boastfulness and pride. Lead us to love as you love. Lord, help us to love ________ (fill-in the blank) as you want us to love them. Lord, help us not to be rude or irritable toward _______ (fill-in the blank). Lord, continue to change us. In Jesus name, amen!

Keep praying! Keep Trusting! Keep believing!

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