"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor 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. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Today, you're going to evaluate how loving you are, not by the world's standards but according to the well-known Bible passage, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. (For the sake of time, we'll focus only on some of the phrases.) As you read these familiar words, pause and reflect on how well you live them out, not in theory, but in your everyday behavior.
Remember, love isn't just an idea, an emotion, or something you believe in; it's an action. Love is a verb. Love is selflessly choosing to seek the good of another person above ourselves. Unless you actually demonstrate love to real people in real-life situations, it only exists in your mind and remains untested. You're like an athlete who excels on the practice field but fails to play in the game, where it truly matters.
WARNING: This might be a humbling exercise. (It certainly is for me.)
Love is...
"Patient"-Chances are someone's testing your patience right now. Considering God's immense patience with you, are you extending the same patience towards them?
"Kind"-Are you practicing intentional acts of kindness, or are you waiting for others to deserve your kindness before you show it?
"Does not envy"-The Corinthians envied those who possessed the spiritual gifts of "tongues" (1 Corinthians 13:1). Paul reminded them that love and envy cannot coexist. If you envy someone's talents, status, or circumstances, you'll find it hard to love them because, secretly, you wish you had what they have.
"Does not boast or isn't proud"-Are you seeking recognition for love? Then perhaps your idea of love is just pride in disguise. True love embraces humility and is content to serve behind the scenes, without applause or acknowledgement.
"Not self-seeking"-If I'm honest, my love is often motivated by what I might get in return. It's a 'what's-in-it-for-me' kind of love. But 'agape' love, the kind Paul describes here, cuts against this natural inclination. 'Agape' love chooses to show love even if it goes unnoticed, unappreciated, or unreciprocated. Love always puts others before self.
"Not easily angered"-A quick temper hinders love. You might say, "If this person weren't always pushing my buttons, then I wouldn't get so angry." While this may be true, their behavior also exposes a weakness in you. Because, according to God's Word, love does not have a short fuse. We are called to reflect the character of God, who is "slow to anger" (Exodus 34:6).
"Rejoices in the truth"-Love doesn't shy away from communicating truth, even when it's uncomfortable. Still, we don't wield truth like a weapon. We aim to "speak the truth in love" with tact, grace, and sensitivity (Ephesians 4:15).
"Love always perseveres"-Love doesn't give up when circumstances become painful, exhausting, or demanding. Instead of making excuses, love keeps showing up–no matter what.
So...how'd you do?
This exercise was not meant to discourage you. Instead, it's intended to point you to Jesus, the only One who perfectly embodies love and can give you the strength and ability to love others in this way.
Let's pray-
"Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me despite myself. I'm aware of my weaknesses in loving others, and I need Your help to love them as You do. Today, let Your love flow through me and shape my perspective, words, and actions. Amen."
