1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.”
Jesus commanded us to love our enemies. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 explains love as God envisions it. But to be able to love someone as described above is almost impossible. Do you know anyone who does not boast or is puffed up? Why think about someone else? If we examine ourselves, can we honestly say we have never envied or been rude to our family and friends? How often have we kept count of the wrongs done to us or had evil thoughts towards a loved one? With all the self-control and willpower, have we loved the way God commands? And how are we to love our enemies if we can’t love our family and friends? Yet, this is what God asks of us.
But here’s the beauty of it all. God will never ask us to do something we are incapable of. God is a fantastic teacher. He set an example for us on the cross. Think about it, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Humiliated, tortured and betrayed by His own, Jesus still prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”– Luke 23:34 Can there be a love more profound than this? Romans 5:5 says, God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. What better tool than this? God not only taught us how to love, but has also equipped us to love!
All we have to do is, realize it, unlock it and allow this love to flow. Allow this love to flow into our workplace, our household, and wherever God has planted us. When people mistreat us, let love flow so we can bless them and bring light into their lives and glorify God. Amen.
Prayer: Loving Lord, Greater love has no one than this that he lays down his life for his friends. Jesus, You called us your friend and you laid down your life for us. This is the most remarkable testimony of love. We did not deserve this, but you still poured out Your love for us. Thank you for showing us what love is and equipping us with Your very love. Give us the grace to love, not based on the person’s worth but based on Your worth. Help us unlock the love you have poured into our hearts so we can be a blessing in Jesus’ name. Amen.
