“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
The verses above are one of the most quoted passages in Christian wedding ceremonies for good reasons. It describes the holy attributes of love, describing it as an honest, humble, trusting, and self-less experience. When we focus our relationships on loving and honouring others, rather than for self-serving needs, or trying to boast, it can bring hope, it will protect, and it will persevere. It requires us to strip it of any envy, evil, or pettiness. When approached correctly, love never fails.
Perhaps the best example of love is in God's love for us. Regardless of our wrongdoings, God remains loving and patient with us. God protects us, shows us kindness, and delights when we do good. In sending Jesus, He has shown us how to live with humility and how to honour God in all our action. God gave his only son to save our lives, and it is through this Grace that we experience the fullness of love. He is our hope and His love is everlasting.
Whether you are celebrating Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, or Family day in this month of February, the theme of love and family can be celebrated. Use this month to value and be grateful for the love that you receive from others, and the love that you can give to others.
Reflection: Why do you think these verses start by defining love as "patient" and "kind" before all other phrases? How can you bring more patience and kindness to your relationships with others?
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This beautiful article was written by Karyn Lau for Christian Calm Radio. Enjoy devotional Christian worship music, Christian instrumental music, hymns and psalms, Old and New Testament audiobooks on Christian Calm Radio.