Scripture:
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.
Devotion:
Love is clearly something that God wants us to embrace and share. These verses help us to understand/know what love is and what it is not, thereby providing clarity. For many of us, it is easy to demonstrate aspects of love as we see it here. For example, you might give up a spot in the grocery store to a mother in line with her 3 young children. This is patience and kindness. On another occasion, however, you get into an argument with your spouse and remind him/her of past transgressions instead of accepting their apology and working toward solutions. These examples show anger and keeping records of wrongs. When you continually find ways to tell others of your numerous degrees or other accomplishments, then you are boasting.
Love never fails but we, as humans, fail. Make a goal to acknowledge your short comings in love and strive to make improvements with the guidance of these scriptures and help of the Holy Spirit. Also, keep trying to love as God’s Word commands us to do.
Each day this week, try to demonstrate love in a way that is different than what you usually do. In this way, you will be showing your growth in your relationship with others and the Lord.
Remember, God is love (I John 4:8, 16 NIV). God loved us from the very beginning and continues to love us no matter what. Every time you show love in the way revealed in the verses above, others see God through your actions and may grow from it. Like a pebble thrown in water, love has a rippling effect.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for loving us and sending your Holy Spirit to help us show love to one another. In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen.
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