“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 with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
God took my understanding of love to a new level when I married the most godly woman I know. My precious wife has embodied the love of Christ throughout our many years of marriage. Then, God took both of us to a new dimension of love when we became parents. Loving our two children has given us practical and tangible experience with gaining a glimpse of God’s love for us. Love is the glue that keeps us deeply connected to Jesus and to each other.
This passage of Scripture is often read at weddings and highlights the significance of love in building meaningful relationships with others. In order to personalize this passage, I would like for you to read it again by placing your name where the word love is each time. For example, I would read the passage by saying, “Stephen is patient, Stephen is kind. Stephen does not envy, Stephen does not boast, Stephen is not proud.” Now it is your turn.
Personalizing this passage is rather convicting. Are you embodying the love of Christ to the extent where your name fits in where love is without major adjustments? Love always places the needs of others before your own. Love acts in the best interests of others and seeks to add value to others. John Maxwell says, “To add value to others, you must first value others.” Do you place the same value on others that Jesus does? If so, then your love for others will be consistent with the love Jesus has for others.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Lead Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell