Today's devotional
Love. Everybody knows what that is, right? It's gushy sentimentality, flowers and candy, moments of intimacy. But, do common ideas of love square with this definition?:
"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Love sacrifices. Love serves. It is far more than an emotion; it is a deliberate lifestyle choice. It chooses the good of others over the preferences of self.
Love's definition challenges us to evaluate our practice of love. Is it patient? Kind? Free of jealousy, boasting and arrogance? Is it self-seeking? Easily provoked? Unforgiving and quick to forget?
Love is the determining factor in truth and knowledge. Zeal for truth and passion for knowledge are undone through the absence of love, but are vindicated by its active presence. Love is the crown jewel of a true believer -"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35).
Nothing is more basic or essential than love. Love unites when differences separate. It stands resolute for truth and principle while at the same time taking a reconciling stance and position. It is the glue that unites fragmented believers into a seamless body that compels the world to notice and believe (John 17:20-21). Love extends the gospel to the lost even when the lost choose the darkness of hatred. Love qualifies truth and character.
"But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
"Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Love sacrifices. Love serves. It is far more than an emotion; it is a deliberate lifestyle choice. It chooses the good of others over the preferences of self.
Love's definition challenges us to evaluate our practice of love. Is it patient? Kind? Free of jealousy, boasting and arrogance? Is it self-seeking? Easily provoked? Unforgiving and quick to forget?
Love is the determining factor in truth and knowledge. Zeal for truth and passion for knowledge are undone through the absence of love, but are vindicated by its active presence. Love is the crown jewel of a true believer -"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35).
Nothing is more basic or essential than love. Love unites when differences separate. It stands resolute for truth and principle while at the same time taking a reconciling stance and position. It is the glue that unites fragmented believers into a seamless body that compels the world to notice and believe (John 17:20-21). Love extends the gospel to the lost even when the lost choose the darkness of hatred. Love qualifies truth and character.
"But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:41 AM
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