TEXT:

‘Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love’ – 1 Corinthians 13:13

THOUGHT:

The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is an amazing description of love. What true love is not and what it is really like. This scripture is often quoted at weddings as the goal for both partners to attain throughout their marriage. Why not check yourself against these qualities today. Any one you feel or know you lack, remember the fruit of the Spirit is love. You can ask and expect the Holy Spirit to help you to grow and show the fruit of love, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Jesus taught us to love our enemies – Matthew 5:44. These were no empty words for He did exactly that, ‘Our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies’ – Romans 5:10. That was why Jesus could pray, ‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’ – Luke 23:34. So what can we learn about God’s love?

• Love missing

This is what happens when true love is missing in what we are doing.

• There is a harshness – ‘If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal’ – v1

Empty vessels make the most sound! We end up loud but not loving.

• There is a haughtiness – ‘If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing’ – v2

Too proud of personal achievements, at the same time belittling others. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

• There is a hollowness – ‘If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing’ – v3

When our actions are a blessing to others without being motivated by true love, it leaves an emptiness in our heart. God wants true love to bless the giver too.

• Love described

God’s love is totally different from anything this world calls “love.” Like a cut diamond, I need do nothing more than highlight each facet of love.

Love is patient and kind.

Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.

It does not demand its own way.

It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

• Love abides

A famous song says, “Will you still love me tomorrow?” True love, God’s love abides and does not change.

• Love never fails (ceases)

While on earth, our knowledge and experience of God is partial but the time is coming when we will have a greater revelation and will not need the help of spiritual gifts and revelation knowledge. Just as a child grows into an adult and leaves behind childish things, so the same is true spiritually for the Christian.  Our partial revelation of God will turn into a full one when we get to heaven. God’s love will keep us until that day.

• Love continues – ‘Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love’

It is the greatest because it does more and is the truest reflection of God, for God is love – 1 John 4:8. Paul wrote, ‘The love of Christ compels me’ – 2 Corinthians 5:14. A despairing missionary reporting back to headquarters complained, “No one is listening to me, no one is getting converted.” Back came the reply, “Try love!”

Perhaps you are facing a situation where nothing you do or say makes any difference. Why not “Try love?” Ask God to let His love flow into you and then out from you towards those you are having so much trouble with. You will be surprised as to how powerful God’s love is and able to bring about change for the better.