REAL LOVE

REAL LOVE

READ:

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

[Love] bears all thins, believes

All things, hopes all things,

endures all things.  Love never

fails. -1 Corinthians 13:7-8

A few years ago, my friend’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  Since then, Beth has been forced to make tough decisions about her mom’s care, and her heart has often been broken as she watched her vibrant and fun-loving mom slowly slipping away.  In the process, my friend has learned that real love is not always easy or convenient.

After her mom was hospitalized for a couple of days last year, Beth wrote these words to some of her friends:  “As backwards as it may seem, I’m very thankful for the journey I am on with my mom.  Behind the memory loss, confusion, and utter helplessness is a be3autiful person who loves life and is at complete peace.  I am learning so much about what real love is, and even though I probably wouldn’t have asked for this journey and the tears and heartache that go with it, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

The Bible reminds us that love is patient and kind.  It is not self-seeking or easily angered.  It “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). 

Real love originated without Father, who gave us the gift of His Son.  As we seek to show His love to others, we can follow the example of Christ, who laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16-18). – Cindy Hess Kasper

Teach me to love, this is my prayer-

May the compassion of Thy heart I share;

Ready a cup of water to give,

May I unselfishly for others live. - Peterson
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Real love is helping others for Jesus' sake
even if they can never return the favor. 

INSIGHT
According to Jesus, loving God and loving neighbor are the most important commandments (Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-31).  Love summarizes the entire Old Testament law (Matthew 22:40).  Before Jesus went to the cross, He exemplified real love by washing His disciples' feet (John 13:1-15).  Commanding His disciples to love one another, Jesus made love the distinguishing characteristic of His true followers (vv. 34-35).  Loving others is proof that one is a true believer who has experienced God's love (1 John 4:7-21).  In today's text, Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians of the primacy and priority of love (vv.1-3) along with its practicality (vv.4-8).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace