God’s Love Lived Out

According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, love is …

1. Patient – longsuffering, puts up with a lot before it suffers
2. Kind – gentle, affectionate
3. Not envious – at peace and contentment with others
4. Does not boast – does not talk of themselves
5. Not proud – humble, does not need to be heard
6. Does not dishonor others – to esteem, show respect
7. Not self-seeking – encourages others’ best interest
8. Not easily angered – not edgy, but soft with others
9. Keeps no record of wrongs – no inventory of wrongs done, everyone is a new friend every meeting
10. Does not delight in evil – wants good, even to bad people
11. Rejoices with the truth – honest
12. Always protects – lit. “cover by silence,” or “keep confidential”
13. Always trusts – believes in the good of others
14. Always hopes – confidence in others’ future
15. Always perseveres – continues in spite of set backs
16. Never fails – victorious

My interpretation of these verses is, a person who lives in love does not get ruffled, but is gentle, and at peace with others’ successes.  The loving are humble, good with being in the background, and highly respecting those around them.  They help other people excel, and are not edgy but soft with others.  They treat others as if they had never done wrong.  They want every ones’ good, and they cover for their weaknesses.  It believes people want to be good, is confident in their future, and never gives up on them.

All Things are Good?

One of our favorite verses is Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” NASB. (emphasis mine)

Paul must be speaking in faith in this verse where he says, “we know”.  Because we do not “know”.  At least we sure do not act like we “know” it.  If we knew God is using all things in our lives for good, there would not be anything in our lives “bad”.  Yet we complain about a multitude of things in our lives that are worrisome, frustrating, aggravating. We complain about people’s attitudes and actions. We whine about our lack of finances. We worry about the future of our jobs, family, society, etc.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we “knew” that God was working everything that happens in our lives for our good?  We could wake everyday with joy and great anticipation the good things we will learn and grow into.  In fact, if everything is working for my good, it would be impossible for me to fail.  That is a reason to be joyful today!

Blessings.