“Love never fails…” – 1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)
My brothers and sisters, let us understand the Word of God regarding love, that simple four-letter word. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast…it is not self-seeking…Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). This is the love God has shown to us.
God gives us this love so that we may keep fervent love for one another. It keeps us from developing a critical or petty spirit toward each other as we live in this world. Proverbs 17:9 (NIV) says, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” God is teaching us that true love chooses to forgive and overlook petty offences. Repeating past matters can destroy good friendships. Our God is consistently about forgiveness. Yes, friends, love gently confronts when needed; it does not condemn, but restores.
Let us not stir up conflict through hate. Allow love to overwhelm offences with forgiveness. God loved us so much that He gave up His only Son as a sacrifice for us, paying a price He did not owe, for sins He did not commit. God’s love is driven by grace and mercy, not conditions. We should display the same kind of love!
Prayer
Father God, I come before You asking for Your help in practising love in difficult situations. Help me show Your love even when others act against me or speak what is not true. Let me respond with love, just as You showed me love and forgiveness even when I was wrong. Lord, help me to pray with a pure heart so that Your love may prevail.
I thank You for Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy. Empower me by Your Spirit to be a doer of Your Word and not a hearer only. Help me love others the way You love, through Jesus Christ. Lord, help me respond with grace and humility, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: John 3:16; Colossians 3:14
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 18:43-50; Matthew 25:14-46; Job 40:3-24; Job 41; Job 42