This Week’s Passage
1 Corinthians 9 – 16
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:7
NIV: It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (Read online)
KJV: Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (Read online)
MSG: Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. (Read online)
Observation
Love is unconditional.
Application
In life, we always seek love–and sometimes in the wrong places (but I won’t discuss this today). While meditating on these verses I was convicted with one thought…
Is my love unconditional?
Does my love always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere?
Honestly, no.
Protecting My Time with God
I went through each of these phrases and realized I have a lot of work to do. Because God’s love is absolute for me and I want to be the same to Him.
I ask you to consider the following this week: How are you showing God’s love in your life?
1 Corinthians 13:7 shoots straight to the heart of us because it does not qualify our love. It does not mention who we are to love.
It is sometimes easier to think of our love for spouses, children, parents but what about strangers. Those people that have wronged you. Harmed you. Hated you. Are you showing them unconditional love? If not, then we all have it wrong.
Here’s the Test
What type of conditions do you put on the relationships in your life?
Buy me this. Love me this way. Show up here. Do this. Do that.
Now, think hard…Do you place the same conditions on your relationship with God?
I’ll serve you if… I will love you more if… I need this… Lord, I need that…
We should Christ-like love, agape love, in all our relationships–with God and everyone we meet. Yes…everyone.
encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with
everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Prayer
Lord, I know that when I am lead by the Spirit that I am full of love. Love that mirrors the love you had for us when you gave your son Jesus. Father, I want to keep step with your Spirit.
I want my love to always protect, hope, trust and perseveres. I want to show my love by protecting my time with you and seeking opportunities to show your love to others.
Thus, in the name of Jesus, I ask according to your word to direct my steps because I want to bear lasting fruit. I want to remain in your love. I want to love others as you have loved me.
In Jesus Name, Amen.