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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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1 Corinthians 13:4-8
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Love is a choice.
“And now I will show you the most excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31).
Love is not a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is first fruits (see Galatians 5:22-23). Love is supremely expressed in Christ Jesus. We are told 3 things God is - “God is light” (1 John 1:5); “God is Spirit” (John 4:24) and “God is love” (1 John 4:16). They are the ‘essence’ of God. You cannot have them without God, and whenever you see, find or experience them – God is there.
But the love we are referring to is not namby-pamby, wishy-washy, lovey dovey love. It is not gutless love. It is not passive love either. The unmerited, unconditional love of God is active and powerful. It is ‘undying’ in that it is everlasting; it is ‘dying’ in that it will give itself fully for others, irrespective of merit or cost to itself.
Love is an attitude and love is a choice. That is why marriage is such a fantastic institution (which is why God ordained it in the first place). It is where two independent and self-centred people choose to love one another selflessly until they are separated by death. It is helpful to read and study this chapter with all couples preparing for marriage as it helps explain what the choice entails. It is not an impetuous decision – it requires thinking through carefully and thoroughly.
“Love is patient.” What a challenge. Particularly in a society which seems to be driven faster and faster every year. It is hard enough being patient with ourselves, let alone with others, especially with someone who is now living at very close quarters. The trouble with marriage is that rather than meeting my needs, it highlights them.
That is why a Christian marriage has the greatest potential for success. If both husband and wife have found all their needs met in Christ, they are then able to relax and enjoy each other. If they look to each other to satisfy their needs for self-worth, security and significance, which God alone can give, the relationship will be strained, very stressful and end in acute disappointment. But if they are ‘complete’ in Christ, He gives them His power to mature into a dynamic and secure family unit.
As you read each of these statements, remember how they also speak to us of Jesus.
“Love is kind.” That’s a challenge to us regarding our actions, isn’t it? It means we have to be considerate of others and their circumstances.
“It is not envious” of possessions, wealth, education, status, achievements, success, position or ministry.
“It does not boast” – oh, others do that – not me, eh? The Scripture says, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).
“Is not proud” – Pride was what caused Satan to be thrown out of Heaven. It emanates from Hell and yet is a constant temptation to us all.
“It is not rude.” How often have I thought I was being funny only to find I was being rude? It’s also a real danger living in the ‘fast lane’.
“Not self-seeking.” I can do that only through the strength Christ gives me. Yes, I have to die daily to avoid it. Others-centeredness comes from God alone. It also means I don’t let others down. I keep appointments.
“Not easily angered” – even when people don’t live up to my expectations or when events or others thwart my plans, ambitions and desires (especially when I’m tired).
“Keeps no record of wrongs.” Do you? Loves chooses not to … Let go of your disappointments, your hurts, and feelings of injustice. Move on. Yes, you can – in the end, it’s a choice.
“Love never fails.”
(How did you do? We need to keep checking up on our lifestyle and attitudes, don’t we?)
Love is totally invincible.
It is God’s most excellent way. It’s a ‘Ring of Truth’!
With God’s grace, let’s choose it and follow it every day for the rest of our lives.
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