1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says, “Love is patient, Love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. It always protects, it always trusts, it always hopes, it always preservers. Love never fails.”
How many times I have heard those words spoken at weddings, or read them on a beautifully painted plaque on the walls of homes. More than I can count. But if I’m being honest, the number of times I have really, I mean REALLY listened to the words is few. Our team leader challenged us to memorize this scripture. Over and over I recited each phrase, letting each one sink in.
“Love is patient.”
But what exactly does patient look like? What does it sound like? What if I don’t feel like being patient?
The Race has been a unique experience for me. Living with 6 women twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week isn’t something I had really given much thought to before Launch. Being in community all the time has really made me stop and think… Am I patient? Am I kind? The answer to these questions from an outsider’s perspective would most likely be YES. But in my heart of hearts, I know that has not always been the case.
I’ve spent a lot of time mulling over the words in this verse the past few weeks, really digging into the meaning behind each one and how they reflect God’s character. I am a deep feeler, so it’s easy for me to get wrapped up in my emotions in certain situations. Now, because of the time taken to really understand the meaning of this scripture when I start to feel, I am able to stop and really think how my next response would exemplify Christ.
Real Love is the name chosen by our team at Training Camp. Although I’ve always loved well, it took me 4 months to learn what REAL Love is. All glory to God! He is growing me daily and challenging me not only to love well, but to share HIS REAL Love with others.
Although my team will not be together much longer, as there are team changes coming in the next week or so,I want to thank Team Real Love for loving me well and teaching me about the REAL Love found in first Corinthians!
