Devotion:
Read 1 Corinthians 13.
This is a good chapter to read at least every other month. Often read at weddings, it offers some good, practical definitions of the love of Jesus Christ that we are to offer in all of our relationships.
Paul is writing to first-century Christians who had been gifted by the Holy Spirit in various ways to serve Christ and the Church. Some had apparently become conceited about their gift, thinking it (and therefore they) were more important than others. In the middle of addressing that issue, Paul says the primary way to live and grow through our differences is to show this love of Christ in real and practical ways in all of our relationships every day. As you read through the list of words and phrases he uses to define this love, you have to admit that living this love is a challenge.
Here is how Eugene Peterson states that list in The Message. “Love never gives up…cares more for others than for self…doesn’t want what it doesn’t have…doesn’t strut…doesn’t have a swelled head…doesn’t force itself on others…isn’t always ‘me first’...doesn’t fly off the handle…doesn’t keep score of the sins of others…doesn’t revel when others grovel…takes pleasure in the flowering of truth…puts up with anything…trusts God always…always looks for the best…never looks back…but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.”
There is only One who ever lived that love to perfection. Be sure to follow him and stay connected to the Holy Spirit, who will guide you to grow in that love and put it into practice in all of your relationships.
Personal Worship Option:
Pick out one or two of the definitions of love in that list that you most need to work on. Pray for wisdom and courage to do so.
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