Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV)
How often do we hear this passage at weddings? Hopefully the kind of love we share with our spouse can easily relate to these verses, but these beautiful words were not intended to describe only romantic love. No, these words are meant to tell us about Agape love... The kind of love that God has for us... Unconditional, never-failing love. A love we can never fully practice in our human imperfection.
Re-read the scripture above, but put the name "Jesus" in place of the word "love." it works pretty well, doesn't it? Jesus certainly is all of those things. Jesus IS agape love. He IS God's love for us. Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love.
Now re-read the the passage one more time, but put your own name in place of the word "love." It doesn't quite work this time, does it? We fall so short! This short passage makes a great examination of conscience when we substitute our own name.
Take this Valentines Day to meditate a little on REAL love...God's love. Try to live this day as if our name made a good substitute for love in The Love Chapter.
Father,
Thank for this day each year that we set aside for love. Help us to focus at least as much on your love and the love we ought to give to all rather than only romantic love. Amen.
Joys: spending the day with Cecelia today... Maybe we will make some v-day cupcakes!; one day closer to Richard's military retirement; A warm home.
No comments:
Post a Comment