Looking for Love
We all have a need to be loved and I believe that God made us that way. The greatest commandment of all is for us to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind. And the second greatest is for us to love others as we love ourselves. But what does true love look like? What does it sound like, live like? God’s definition of love in totality is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Love is so beautiful and in the end it never fails. It is never unsuccessful. I found as I was studying this chapter in the Amplified version, that I had a lot of work to do, but as you and I work on this one profound truth, we will see the hand of God move in supernatural ways in every area of our life. So where do we begin?
Colossians 3:12-14 says “ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, (love) which is the bond of perfectness.” Above ALL things God tells us we are to put on love. We are to surround ourselves in all that love entails. In every aspect and situation of life, the act of true love should be our heart’s desire. In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 Paul tells us what true love looks like and how it manifests itself as God intended it. Love endures long and is patient and kind.(v4) The act of patience is being able to tolerate or accept delays, problems or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. How often do you fail in this area? It is easy to lose our patience with people when things aren’t going as we planned. In God’s eyes love suffers long and is full of kindness and understanding. Accepting this and actually putting this into practice in our lives is hard. No doubt the daily turmoil of life tests our ability to put on kindness and patience. We must press in to God’s word and allow Him to work in our hearts as we practice true love.
The Lord also shows us that love is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. (v5) . When we are seeking true love, we have to put aside those feelings that resemble arrogance. Love is not boastful. It is not full of excessive pride, nor does it show an attitude of superiority, thus it does not display itself haughtily. We have to think about these things in our relationships. Are you arrogant in your opinions? Do you think that your way is the right way, and have no concern or thought for anyone else, or value yourself more than others? Are you acting “unbecoming” by not conforming to what is accepted as right, or in good taste. God’s word tells us that all of these things are NOT love.
Rather, true love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. (v7) Love is ready to support and encourage in all circumstances. When we see someone faced with a challenge or an obstacle, our love for them should give inspiration and hope to endure. Love has no negative thoughts and there is no condemnation. Regardless of what is happening, or how it feels, God’s love is constant and steadfast.
There is so much to look at and pray over within these verses. If you would like to dive deeper into the topic of love and our study on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 please watch our broadcast on our YouTube channel, or listen to us on your favorite podcast platform.
https://youtu.be/lDbF16HFs7c
https://anchor.fm/roberta-kay-ministries/episodes/Finding-Love-e1utuvn
Until Next Time Remember,
Stay Calm and Be Empowered.
