So what about love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a-
"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
The list seems overwhelming at first glance, impossible even. How can I display this love? This kind of love is PERFECT and I am so far from being perfect. Despite that reality, we have been given power from on high to pursue godliness with the promise of success (aka- sanctification). Although we will not be perfect this side of heaven, we will be made more and more like Christ and see this love displayed more and more in our lives...or at least we should (as maturing believers). I think so often I can find myself seeing how far I miss the mark, and how much growth I need to experience in this area, and forget that God is still working on me, and won't be through this side of heaven. Although that doesn't negate my responsibility to strive towards godliness, it sure gives me confidence and encouragement that He IS at work in my life and is not through!
I encourage you to really study this passage, and the characteristics here of true and genuine love that we are commanded to exhibit. Below are three that I believe God is really growing me in, both in understanding and in practice.
Love IS patient
The wife tends to be easily overwhelmed and aggravated when situations don't pan out the way she expected or desired; in these moments, the Godly wife is called to exhibit true love by choosing patience. Being patient is active and not passive, and shows humility and a willingness to depend on God and obey His Word and trust His sovereign control over ALL things.
Love is NOT provoked
God has commanded the wife to show love by controlling herself in ALL circumstances. Her response should never be based on fear, emotion, or situations, or "mood", but rather based on Truth as a reflection of true godly character. Instead of acting irrationally "in the moment", she will learn to respond in love with patience and kindness.
Love believes ALL things
God has called the wife to exhibit biblical love by painting the other person in the best possible light. We are never allowed to assume motive or intent, but rather to believe the best in every situation. We walk by faith and not by sight.
Whether you are a wife, a husband, a daughter, a friend, a brother...it doesn't matter; if you are a child of God you are called to understand and show biblical love as taught in Scripture. May your hearts be burdened with 1 Corinthians 13 as you seek to not only glorify Christ, but imitate Him in all your relationships.
The list seems overwhelming at first glance, impossible even. How can I display this love? This kind of love is PERFECT and I am so far from being perfect. Despite that reality, we have been given power from on high to pursue godliness with the promise of success (aka- sanctification). Although we will not be perfect this side of heaven, we will be made more and more like Christ and see this love displayed more and more in our lives...or at least we should (as maturing believers). I think so often I can find myself seeing how far I miss the mark, and how much growth I need to experience in this area, and forget that God is still working on me, and won't be through this side of heaven. Although that doesn't negate my responsibility to strive towards godliness, it sure gives me confidence and encouragement that He IS at work in my life and is not through!
I encourage you to really study this passage, and the characteristics here of true and genuine love that we are commanded to exhibit. Below are three that I believe God is really growing me in, both in understanding and in practice.
Love IS patient
The wife tends to be easily overwhelmed and aggravated when situations don't pan out the way she expected or desired; in these moments, the Godly wife is called to exhibit true love by choosing patience. Being patient is active and not passive, and shows humility and a willingness to depend on God and obey His Word and trust His sovereign control over ALL things.
Love is NOT provoked
God has commanded the wife to show love by controlling herself in ALL circumstances. Her response should never be based on fear, emotion, or situations, or "mood", but rather based on Truth as a reflection of true godly character. Instead of acting irrationally "in the moment", she will learn to respond in love with patience and kindness.
Love believes ALL things
God has called the wife to exhibit biblical love by painting the other person in the best possible light. We are never allowed to assume motive or intent, but rather to believe the best in every situation. We walk by faith and not by sight.
Whether you are a wife, a husband, a daughter, a friend, a brother...it doesn't matter; if you are a child of God you are called to understand and show biblical love as taught in Scripture. May your hearts be burdened with 1 Corinthians 13 as you seek to not only glorify Christ, but imitate Him in all your relationships.
No comments:
Post a Comment