1 Corinthians 13:1-8
In this passage, Paul talks about love and its preeminence over speech, knowledge, generosity, and self-sacrifice. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
The apostle then describes the nature of Biblical love. Vs 4-7
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.
However, we often struggle as we try to practice this model of unselfish affection. One reason is the Godly expression of caring doesn’t come naturally to us. Pure Christian love puts the other person’s interests ahead of our own interests, even when our human inclinations clamor to be first.
Another challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behavior. We remember the wrong long after it occurred. That is not what Jesus did. He loved us while we were yet sinners and forgave us for everything even before we knew Him. Romans 5:8
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
And in Luke 23:34 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Furthermore , it is easier to point out someone else’s unkindness to us than to see where we have fallen short.
We are called to be loving towards God as well as those around us. Mark 12:30-31 We have received the Holy Spirit, who will help us learn how to care deeply for others.
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these
Experiencing God’s affection and demonstrating it to others are to be two of our greatest joys. Take time to memorize the attributes of Biblical love. Look for ways to practice them in your everyday relationships. In times of stress let the power of love transform your life. 1 Corinthians 13:8
Love never fails.
