Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

Love is the greatest
1 Corinthians 13
Vs 13 "...But the greatest of these is love".
Love is one of the most important topics discussed in the Bible as well as religious literature. In fact, our passage today reminds us that it is in fact, the greatest of all. When we think of love, we may immediately think of our spouses, children, parents, family, close friends, or the personal belongings we own. However, this is not what Paul was referring to in this passage commonly known as the “Chapter of Love.” This chapter intentionally looks at love as a verb and then describes all the things love does rather than how love makes us feel.

These verses remind us that while it may look and feel good to accomplish many great things, if we do not accomplish these with love, we simply fall short. Where once love was considered selfless and intimate, we are now consumed with public love of self. Despite having more power in the palm of our hands than ever before, we are infatuated with the “perfect” look and feel of love rather than how to love ourselves and others perfectly. What is our love like? How are we loving ourselves and others?

Where can the model of true love be found? Jesus lived love each day as an action rather than a feeling. Remember, Jesus was fully human. He faced the challenges of society, the pressures of the crowds, the demands of friends and family, and arguably, has the most “followers” ever. However, His love for us has been and always will be truthful. His love needs no filters or fact checking because it is authentic and true. Jesus modeled this perfect love throughout His life, during His crucifixion, and forever by His resurrection. There may be times when we fall short of this, but the unending, forgiving love we have been given through Jesus, enables us to try and love as He loves us.

In order for us to live love as a verb, we must accept the love God has given to us and re-establish our relationship with Him. This is the essential foundation to Christian life. In this New Year, let’s stop trading in love for “likes.” Let’s accept the love God is so desperately wanting to give us so that we can share His perfect love with each other. Let’s refocus our minds so that our vision of love will be a perfect 20/20.

 
PRAYER
Dear Lord, help us to live our life filled with true love. Help us to remember that your love has forgiven our shortcomings and filled us with hope. Help us to share this love every opportunity that we have. Amen
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Gracious John and Joyce John, Immanuel MTC, Houston, TX
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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