City Life Starter

By Aisha Darwesh

The Word: 1 Corinthians 13

4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].

Reflection Questions

1. Who is someone who loves you unconditionally?

2. How do you know that person loves you unconditionally?

3. Is it easy or difficult for you to love others as described in the verses above? Why?

This week we get to recap the book of 1 Corinthians, and it’s so rich I hardly know where to begin. We’ve discussed factions, unity, divisions, the wisdom of God, foundation for living, litigation, the Lord’s Supper, marriage, singleness, Christian order, the spiritual gifts, Christ’s Resurrection, among so many other truths and revelation.

However, what stuck out the most to me in this series is the famous scripture on love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Reading through these well-known verses, I think whoever can love like this has got to be someone with a perfect attitude and personality. Given all the characters flaws in myself and others, I wonder: is it even possible to love like this?

In and of ourselves, I don’t think any of us can love as 1 Corinthians 13 describes all the time if we’re being honest. We just fall short. We can be short-tempered, impatient, insensitive and cold. But thank God we’re not left to ourselves. We have Love Himself dwelling inside us. What a comforting truth.

With the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we can live out this scripture moment-by-moment, day-by-day, until the very end. Love gives life meaning and purpose. Whatever you do, if you do it in love, it will endure forever. I don’t think anything could be more meaningful or important than love. God is love: “The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.]” (1 John 4:8 Amplified).

It’s amazing to think we do not have to manufacture love in our own strength or efforts. The very Source of Love is walking with us at all times, empowering us to display His love to others. Love is God’s most excellent way.

The main reason I see God’s love as the bottom line of 1 Corinthians is that love covers everything else we’ve discussed. As deplorable as things like sexual immorality and dishonoring the Lord’s supper are, I find it very comforting to know that the church can make mistakes like these and still be loved and accepted by God based on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Despite what some may say, experiencing the unconditional love of God will cause you to live in holiness not to continue in sin. Love is the perfect combination of grace and truth, and it covers everything big and small. Love never fails.

Application

Review 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 once more. Read it silently to yourself.

Now, if you are in a private place where you can speak aloud, substitute the word “I” with “Love.”

Say “I endure with patience and serenity. I am kind and thoughtful, etc.”

As you personalize these verses by speaking them aloud, trust that the Lord loves you like this and is empowering you to love the same way.

Throughout your day, you may encounter darkness–anger, jealousy, gossip, bigotry, the list goes on. But remember you are walking in love, and Jesus has already overcome the world. Don’t be intimidated or afraid or downtrodden. God wants you to be set free and you are a change agent for the better in every environment you step into! Be blessed.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for all You have done for me and all that You are doing. You empower me to walk in holiness and love. I receive Your strength and mercy today. Give me an even greater revelation of Your unique love for me. In Jesus Name, Amen