Love Like Jesus

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Amplified Bible (AMP)

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]. 8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away.

Sometimes we become very caught up in our personal feelings and we are almost frozen in a state of selfishness. Although it often feels gratifying to “give people a taste of their own medicine”, when our actions are fueled by bitterness, hurt and a desire to hurt someone else, it is obvious that we do not look like Christ in that moment. As much as you’d rather not swallow your pride and be kind, that’s what love does. The scripture clearly states for us that true love does not pay people back and it doesn’t hold grudges, love releases wrongs committed and believes the best of all people. This is something that has challenged me in my relationships as far back as I can remember; loving in this way always makes me feel foolish and small, so sometimes I have moments where I want to “avenge” myself and like this morning, God humbles me.

Prayer: Dear God, please help me to look more like you. Even when I am hurt by people, give me a heart of patience and kindness toward them. Help me to love like Jesus. Amen.