We all know it.
Some of us can even quote it by heart. Backwards. In French. With our eyes closed.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 could be considered a “Christianity 101” kind of idea. I was taught it so many times growing up in church, I could’ve probably taught a sermon on it by age 9. But, recently, the Lord has stirred in my heart that there is so much in this passage. There is so much for all of us, in it.
So, I would like to evaluate not just how well we know it. But how well we walk it. Act on it. Live it.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 declares that:
“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.”
Here is a series of questions that bubbled up for my life, currently.
Please feel free to replace “teammates” to fit your situation (Boss, co-workers, spouse, parents, roommates, friends, etc.- even yourself!)
I pray it makes you think and challenges you to maintain what true Love looks like.
– Am I exercising a patient spirit with my teammates?
– How have I extended kindness to them?
– Have I ever let jealousy overpower my desire for their success?
– Have I ever placed myself on a higher platform in certain areas?
– Has my pride gotten in the way of my relationships?
– Have I been dishonoring in my words, actions, or even thoughts towards my teammates? ( the Lord looks at the heart, out of the overflow of the heart-the mouth speaks)
– “it is not self seeking” Am I pretending relationships just to benefit from someone in some way? – “not easily angered” … Do I easily get frustrated with any of my teammates?
– “it does not keep record of wrongs” Do I do that? DO I let things build up slowly or deal with them right away? Do I easily forgive?
– “it rejoices with truth” Am I really letting Love have the opportunity to grow by being honest with myself in these areas?
– Am I protecting, trusting, hoping in and persevering to love my teammates?
Love is not just a feeling. It is an action, that occurs even when the feeling is absent. Emotions are fleeting but action shows the character and heart.
Love is constant, or as verse 8 puts it ,” Love never fails.”
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Hope you enjoyed my blog and feel challenged!
Please continue to pray for my team and our time left here in Malaysia with Unsung Heroes!
God bless!
