Day 8

Love is…

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[a] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The disciple that Jesus loved sought to describe God, our Father in heaven. One powerful thought emerged through his heart and soul. He wrote, "God is love." (1 John 4:8) He nailed it. What more could one say about our LORD? 

When we opened our hearts to Jesus, Love became the theme of our story, chapter by chapter. In good times and bad, Love moves and inspires us to embrace those around us: family, neighbors, and even enemies, with affection, grace, and kindness. 

Paul painted a powerful picture of Love to the church in Corinth in all its mystery and grandeur, even on the verge of being torn apart by their petty differences. He observed:

"Love is patient and kind; Love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Before you place these words on your mirror or refrigerator as your love to-do list, realize we cannot discipline or white knuckle our way into this kind of supernatural Love. No, this kind of Love only abides in the hearts of those who "abide" in Christ Jesus our LORD. We love best when He loves through us. Surrender your heart and affections to the LORD, asking Him to fill your heart, attitudes, and actions with His abiding, unconditional Love. 

Application: Commit a random act of Love today to express your faith and surrender to the One who so loves you. 

Written by: Dr. David Lowrie