WHAT IS LOVE? LOVE IS WAITING AND HOPING

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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. 

Patience and kindness have something in common: They are both fruits of the Holy Spirit.  If I have allowed the Holy Spirit to invade my heart, then I should realize the effects of this transformational invasion.  The footprints of the Holy Spirit are the trail He leaves behind in my actions, including patience, kindness, and love. 

Another attribute of God’s love is genuine humility.  This passage not only describes God’s perfect love, but it also describes the love I desire to emulate when I surrender my heart to Jesus Christ.  This love doesn’t envy—it does not hate anyone for what they have done but looks instead to give away the love of Jesus.  This love doesn’t boast with pride for who I am—it boasts instead about who Jesus is—the one and only Holy Son of God. 

When I bathe in God’s love, I do not desire to self-promote or inflict harm on others.  Patience and humility keep my motives and actions in check, and forgiveness is available in abundance. 

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS 

The love of God is described in the absolute:  It ALWAYS protects, ALWAYS trusts, ALWAYS hopes, and ALWAYS perseveres.  I know I do not ALWAYS do these things, but I know God does. 

God’s love always protects. It always bears up, it always covers, and it always shields me from the world when I acknowledge it.  Acknowledging it is the key to feeling it, though.  If I acknowledge His love, then I trust and believe He is in control instead of doubting. 

God’s love hopes in all things.  I am actually waiting for God while I am hoping, but in expectation and anticipation, not with doubt.  While I wait, I need to be worshipping, which is where perseverance comes in.  Perseverance is abiding in God’s love while I wait.  I’m covered and protected by His love, and while I remain under His Divine protection, I am abiding in Him.    

Lord, help me to love You more each day.  Allow me to feel Your protection while trusting, hoping, and abiding in You, just like You taught me, when I accepted You as my Savior.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.