January 31, 2025 - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a ESV
Jesus, what a beautiful description of love. Most of the love we encounter here on earth doesn’t begin to live up to this definition of love. It falls very short. It can make us wonder if the love described here actually exists. Oh, but it does. You are love, perfect love. What is described here is you. You, our bridegroom, love us with this kind of love. You are patient, kind, and you don’t get irritable or resentful with us. We constantly fall short and mess up, yet you are still there offering love and forgiveness to us. It is hard for us to comprehend how patient you are with us. Teach us how to be patient and offer forgiveness like you.
You don’t envy or boast. You are humble and kind. We see throughout the Bible how you took the humble option and were always putting others’ needs above your own. You have every reason to boast and be arrogant, yet it just isn’t who you are. Even when we think we deserve to boast or be arrogant, help us to be humble and put others ahead of us and our way. You bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things. We can see that so clearly when we look at the fact that you came to earth and died for our sins. We can’t even comprehend the price you paid and what you had to endure to pay our debt. Show us how to love others even when it is hard and costly.
Jesus, the best yet…love never ends. You are eternal and we get to spend eternity with you basking in your love. We can’t wait for the day you call your bride home.
In Jesus name, amen.
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