1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I am sure you have often heard these famous words. They give us the most beautiful description of love and, understandably, they are often read at weddings. Love sounds incredibly attractive, doesn’t it? We all long to be as loving as this. But there’s a problem – a very big problem – and we won’t make any progress until we have recognised it: no amount of human effort will enable us to be as loving as this. However hard we try, we are bound to fail. Because the only way to show perfect love is by enabling God to work through us. By our own effort, we will never succeed in being truly loving without God’s daily strength.

The way to become more loving is to focus more on God. As we get to know God better, and allow our lives to be shaped by Him, His love will naturally flow through us. Every relationship and every part of our lives will be shaped by it. There will be no stopping it!

Question

Which of Paul’s descriptions of love do you find most challenging?

Prayer

Lord God, thank you that You have always shown me perfect love. Help me to get to know You better so that Your love will constantly flow from my life. Amen