It’s hard to love sometimes, isn’t it?

In today’s reading (Day 85), the passage we read is a popular one that we often see on coffee mugs and T-shirts. You may have even heard it recited at a wedding. It’s 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV): 

“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 …”

Every day, I try to follow this model of love that the Apostle Paul teaches, but that’s easier said than done.

My heart wants to show patience with my husband when he asks for the hundredth time what our plans are for the weekend. In the checkout lane in the grocery store, I want to be kind and let the woman behind me go ahead of me with her few items, but I’m in a hurry to get home. I want to love that family member who has hurt me, but I can’t get over the fact of what she’s done. 

Do you feel that way, too? We strive to love others as Christ loves us, but our human nature takes over. The next thing you know, you’ve yelled at your husband, pretended the woman in line behind you didn’t exist, and gotten even angrier at that family member. 

As Ellie reminds us, God is love. On our worst days, He still loves us. And what’s more is that God is everything listed in those verses. He is patient and kind, not envious, boastful or proud. He is honorable, selfless, not easily angered and not a record-keeper of what we’ve done wrong. (Thank You, Lord!)

Friend, this is something to celebrate! 

Let’s make a deal. On those days when we just aren’t feeling it and life tries to get the best of us, let’s remember this verse and what love is. Are you with me?

I’ll see you on Friday (Day 88).

Hugs,

Missy

Fighting Back! 

Let’s reread 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and study the characteristics of love again. Which characteristic do you feel is your strongest? Which is your weakest?