On Sunday, John Mulligan continued his lesson on “No Wasted Years - No Meaningless Days.” This lesson, taken from 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, is on the third step of becoming the person you were meant to ...
On Sunday, John Mulligan continued his lesson on “No Wasted Years - No Meaningless Days.” This lesson, taken from 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, is on the third step of becoming the person you were meant to be: Refinement. This is about loving people God’s Way.
Everything with God Centers on Love. Countless scripture verses focus on love and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. This particular passage is a very popular one, not just amongst Christians. Many people may not understand the implications - that it will take some sacrifice for us to love as God loves. It’s not easy. Biblical love is about doing what you must do, even when you don’t want to do it.
The qualities listed in 1 Corin. 13:4-8 give us specific guidelines about Christian love:
“Love is patient.” Patient love hangs in through difficult people and situations. God is patient with us; we must be patient, too.
“Love is kind.” Act in a way that blesses people. Hold back hurtful words. Use discipline to speak kindly.
“It does not envy.” We may admire others’ position or their possessions, but we don’t dwell on them, or resent them for their good fortune.
“It does not boast.” We don’t brag about our actions or successes, and we certainly don’t inflate or exaggerate what we’ve done.
“It is not proud.” We admit when we’ve done wrong. We own up to our mistakes. If we have sinned we admit it, sooner rather than later.
“It does not dishonor others.” We don’t embarrass others or take advantage of them.
“It is not self-seeking.” We don’t use others to enhance our own lives.
“It is not easily angered.” Don’t be a powder keg that people tiptoe around. Know how to manage your anger.
“It keeps no record of wrongs.” Have a short memory. If something irritates you, let it go; don’t keep it to use as a weapon later.
“Love does not delight in evil…” We don’t spread or seek out gossip. We don’t take joy in someone’s misfortunes.
“...but rejoices with the truth.” Be joyful in the truth, in facts. Listen for the good stuff and rejoice in those.
“It always protects…” Don’t hurt someone with unkind words; defend them instead.
“...always trusts…” We are confident in others; we let them prove themselves. Don’t hold things against people.
“... always hopes…” We look for the best in situations and don’t define people by their past.
“...always perseveres…” We don’t give up on situations or people -- not that we accept abuse from them -- but we accept the reality of the present.
“Love never fails.” That’s clear enough. Love, strong Christian love, always works.
We’ll know we’ve done the right things if we’ve followed these guidelines for love. And just maybe, someone will see us doing our part, and be inspired to do the same.
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