1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate (MSG).
“Love is like the wind, you cannot see it but you can feel it.”— Nicholas Sparks.
Love is not defined by diamond rings or branded expensive gifts. Love is the gentle breeze that makes sailing enjoyable and smooth. A pricey gift wrapped with wrong motives will kill love. Love must be felt, not just heard, seen or dramatized.
Jesus was very fond of a family in Bethany. He stayed in the house of Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha every time he visited the town. When Jesus was having a home prayer meeting at the residence of Lazarus, Mary sat and soaked in the presence of Jesus. She saturated herself with the life giving words that came from His mouth. Martha on the other hand was stressed about the dinner after the meeting and was busy in the kitchen. Half way through the serious sermon Martha interrupted Jesus complaining that her sister was irresponsibly sitting at His feet while she was struggling sedulously fixing dinner. The gloating of Martha did not work with Jesus who saw her the intentions behind the strenuous supper. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better.” (Luke 10:41-42). Jesus simply said, ‘love’ is better than the lavish banquet.
True love is evident in our choices and preference; not in our service or charity.
Traits of True Love :
1. Prioritizes: Love is selfless. It is not self-seeking. Love cares more for others than for self (1 Corinthians 13:5b). Only when we can prioritize the Lord more than our friends, food and fame can we express our true love to Him. Prioritizing prayer must stand above sleep, entertainment and companions. The best gift we can give God and our loved ones is our time. Don’t text when your spouse is talking to you. Don’t answer calls when you are talking to the Lord. ‘Prioritizing’ is an expression of love.
- Prefers: True love can be expressed by silently sitting next to your loved one rather than taking them to a luxurious loud concert. Love is simple; It is not superfluous. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked (Psalm 84:10). Our love for the Lord and love for our dear ones is best accentuated in the time we give them.
- Performance: Love is not measured by our performance but our preference. When we get too busy serving in the church and are too tired to wake up in the morning to pray, we have failed the test of love. Similarly, when we get too busy earning money but have no time for our family, we have toiled in vain. Love is not seen but felt.
Love is best felt in our priorities and preferences, not in our performance.
1 Corinthians 13:5b Love cares more for others than for self.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to do everything in love. May my heart always be bubbling with love. Amen.
Leave a Reply