Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (quoted from the Common English Bible)Lord,
I've often read this passage and thought,
"Yep, that is what love SHOULD be."
But the Apostle Paul writes,
"Love is" these things.
Yes, he uses "agape"--
the Greek word for unconditional love.
Many a Bible scholar and student has said,
"Paul is talking about God's love."
But when I say that (and worse preach that),
am I just making excuses?
Love IS patient and kind.
Love IS NOT jealous, arrogant, rude, or irritable.
Love DOES NOT brag, seek its own advantage, or keep a record of complaints
That IS love.
And the truth is:
anything else,
just ISN'T love.
Wow, Lord,
then too often my actions
just are NOT love.
Teach me love --
love that IS.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
who IS love.
Amen.
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