Most of us will say this today to someone. As you leave for work you may tell your spouse or your kids or even your pets, "love ya." It's such a frivolously tossed around phrase sometimes and I often wonder if we really understand what we are saying when we actually say it. Hollywood frat-party movies and television teaches that we say it when we want intimacy as if it's some magical key that will get us everything we need, but that just isn't case. The music industry tells us that "love is all we need" according to Mary J. and The Beatles, but most of this world, myself included, might have a very skewed perception of what love actually is and means.
So this morning I was trying to get caught up on some of the books I've left unread and one in particular referenced 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. I can almost imagine that most everyone has heard or read this at one time or another but I want to challenge us today. As you interact throughout your day today or even this week and your find yourself telling someone that you love them. Stop and ask yourself internally, "Am I lovig this person as the Bible says to love?" Honestly if we fail to spend quality time with God (1 John 4:8) there is no conceivable way we can give this kind of love because it does not exist outside of the one who created it (God). So if the love you give doesn't line up with this portion of scripture I question if it is truly love.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
A great barometer in which you can use to measure the quality of your love is to try reading the above scripture again and everywhere you see word "love" replace that with your own name. Go ahead, try it! Ooo, ouch...right?! Can you honestly say that all the points line up with your actions and how you love? Honestly, there are a few for me that strike a nerve and I know I still have some growing up to do. I think if we're honest we ALL have some growing up to do when it comes to love.
Take Care & God Bless,
-E
A great barometer in which you can use to measure the quality of your love is to try reading the above scripture again and everywhere you see word "love" replace that with your own name. Go ahead, try it! Ooo, ouch...right?! Can you honestly say that all the points line up with your actions and how you love? Honestly, there are a few for me that strike a nerve and I know I still have some growing up to do. I think if we're honest we ALL have some growing up to do when it comes to love.
Take Care & God Bless,
-E
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