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Love Never Fails

 After Saul (Paul) was converted from Judaism, in which he was a trained priest, to Christianity on the road to Damascus, he spent a few years learning how to be a better person for God's new work in Christ. After God prepared him, Paul started preaching the Good News to people in different cities. One of those cities was Corinth in Greece. When Paul needed to correct - or praise - some teachings of the churches that were established in these cities but couldn't get back to them right away, he would write them letters. One of these letters (often called epistles) is called I Corinthians in the Holy Bible. 

The message I want to bring to your attention today is what Paul was telling this church about love. He told them in verse 16:14 to, "Do everything with love." (NLT) The NKJV read as, "Let all that you do be done with love." What a difference we could make in the world if we could all follow this beautiful advice. 

In the same Book of I Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV), Paul also wrote, "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."

love always wins
Image courtesy of Leighann Blackwood via Unsplash

The world is full of sin, and Corinth was a model of these sins - a breeding ground for sin if you will. So much so that the new Christians of this time were  unsure how to react. There was already a conflict in the way the new Christians living in a pagan city should act. They certainly weren't reacting in loving ways. So, Paul explained that love was the answer to their problems. The same is true today. Really let this sink in as you go about your days.

Do you anger easily? Is it because someone stepped on your ego? Is it because someone else is getting the attention you think you deserve? Read the passages I've highlighted above. Let them fill your heart. Be patient. Be kind. Don't be envious. Don't brag on yourself. Don't do nice things to receive something in return. Do nice things because people need kindness. Don't be proud so as to dishonor others. Don't be selfish or keep a record of others' wrongs. 

In doing these loving things, you won't become angry as often. You will be able to uplift others instead of envy them. I think you get the idea. If love doesn't fully take over your heart, you will run people off and you will be miserable. You're miserable because love is a command from God. Love is supposed to be a natural reaction to a sinful world. Being unkind is unnatural, and that's what causes the misery. So, take this news to heart today. Practice it, and your miseries will melt away.

Have a blessed day,

Patricia

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