WHAT IS LOVE?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 CSB
4 Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, 5 is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end.
What is love? Not the 90s dance hit. What do the Scriptures say about the divine God kind of love that we are to practice as believers? Paul's definition in these four verses gives us a pattern to shoot for.
These verses show us how love acts not necessarily how love feels. We have been fed a constant stream of input regarding our feelings in the last 50 years. I have absolutely nothing against good counselors and therapists. Some have helped people I know and love so this is not an indictment against them. But the emphasis on feelings can leave us with the distinct impression that our feelings are the highest form of reality. But that is not where our feelings should rate. Feelings are a poor leader for our lives. And as Paul wrote to the church at Rome, "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 CSB
In an age where feelings reign supreme and decisions are made on the basis of feelings, our challenge is nonconformity. When it comes to this age, we want to be non-conformists. To do that, we change our mindset from being feelings-oriented to God's Word-oriented. This is not an automatic switch but a continual process, and love is a great place to start.
So, without any corresponding feelings, we are patient and kind. How's that working so far? Ever said, "I just don't have any patience?" But the Scriptures tell us God's love has been poured out in our hearts. We have the capacity; what we are missing is the practice. If we will look at these verses with the eye of development as opposed to present ability, making the adjustment will be easier.
The list goes on, and chances are strong that we will find areas where we are stronger and areas of deficiency. I don't have as much of a problem being boastful because I was never fond of bragging. I grew up watching how bragging alienated people and made a mental note. However, when it comes to not being self-seeking and irritable, I still have work to do. Remember, he who is without sin among us can cast the first stone.
Love finds no joy in unrighteousness. I have seen this to be a challenge, particularly with parents of adult children who have strayed away from the Lord and are living in unrighteousness. How do we love them and yet not love what they do? Too often, parents will either embrace the wrong behavior in order to stay connected with their child, or they take a scorched earth policy and reject the child outright. What does love do? Love says I can't affirm and embrace your way of living, but I value you as my child. But note, parents, if they stay under your roof, they still should abide by your values. These are not easy answers but love is usually not the easiest route.
Verse eight says love never ends. God never stops loving us, and we don't stop loving others. There may be no trust and there may be no fellowship and sharing but we don't stop loving. Love will continue to pray. Love will continue to believe for the best. Love will continue to forgive. And love will continue to cause us to be shinning lights in a dark world.
PRAYER
Lord show me how to better practice love in my world.