I recently found the #dctchallenge contest, and the subject for this contest is Love. I thought it was interesting that Love would be the subject of the contest. I've written this entry as a reflection on a scripture that gives wonderful insight into the subject of Love.
Love is a topic that I've studied for years., mainly because it's a subject that despite my studies I constantly struggle with. One of the best sources for study on this subject that I've found is found in Corinthians 13. Many of us have read our heard of this chapter, yet how many of us have actually paid it attention. They're are many translations of the bible yet I love the amplified version because of the extra attention it gives to key words. This particular version can be found at:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13&version=AMP
I am not pretending to be an expert in theology, nor do I boast myself to be an example of a good Christian. I'm simply sharing bits and pieces from my years of studying this scripture. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope this post inspires someone to do further studying of their own.
Corinthians 13
The Excellence of Love
Verse:
1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not [a]love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction].
In this verse the author is talking about having the ability to not only speak in the language of men, but of Angels. When it says men it means mankind. It says that even if we were gifted with an ability to speak in a manner that all could understand us. Imagine having that gift. You could talk to anyone from anywhere, no matter their race, language spoken, country of origin, religion, gender etc; and be clearly understood. Our ability to communicate would be so great that even Angels could hear our message in their native tongue. Imagine a salesman or a politician with that power.
Yet despite the benefit of having that ability, if we were missing a love in our hearts for the people we were talking to. Then the words we spoke would just be a noisy distraction. Human beings have a natural ability to sense when someone genuinely cares about them. If we can feel appreciation coming from the person talking to us, then we naturally give their words more value.
Who hasn't encountered the salesman who obviously has an agenda, and zero concern for us. It's l like a warning siren is playing in our minds as the salesman unloads his or her script. Their words bounce off us, and we count the seconds til we can escape their presence. Their words are deflected because we don't trust them. They might have a great product or service, yet because we feel no love from them we shield ourselves. We refuse to get lured into their trap.
So if we want our words to have power with others, we must first to see others with Love. Understanding that the person you are addressing is someone's son or daughter. They have talents, abilities, dreams, and struggles. Just like we have our flaws, so do they. The better we become at finding the good in others, the easier it'll be too connect with them. Once that connection is made our words will be accepted and not deflected.
2 And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing.
Here we are given more examples of amazing talents that if used without Love are useless to us. Imagine being able to give the world messages that came directly from the creator, or being so wise that you possessed and understood all wisdom. How about having the power to speak to a mountain and have it obey us. If a person in this world had any of these abilities, it would be difficult to imagin them being not being in a position of power. Yet this scripture explains that without Love having this type of power would prove useless to us. Without Love guiding our use of these abilities, the results would be futile.
3 If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body [b]to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all.
This verse addresses the condition of our heart.
We could spend all our money, all our time, and even use up all our health in charitable works. Yet if it was done out of obligation, and not a genuine Love for others, then our sacrifice was wasted. This scripture reminds us that our attitudes behind our actions are more important then the actions themselves. This is why self reflection can really make a difference in our lives. Are we involved in community activities that no longer represent the love in our hearts. Are our activities just for the reputation, or is it something we genuinely love?
4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant.
Genuine love for others can be seen in how we act towards people. Are we treating people as they want to be treated. As human beings we are programed to run on our emotions. Yet love requires moving past emotions.
Love is something we choose to do. It usually runs contrary to our emotions. Yes patience is easier for some people then it is for others. Yet unlike animals, humans can consciencely bypass their emotions. Love is something we do intentionally. The more we practise it the better we become at it. Life constantly puts us in situations where we can practise being patient, holding our peace, and choosing to think of others before ourselves.
5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured.
Being human means that we are not perfect. We all break these rules daily. The question is are we intentionally trying to improve how we respond when are emotions are triggered. Self improvement is a humbling process. It requires having love for ourselves also. As we learn to love ourselves, it becomes easier to love others.
When we respond to others rudely, selfishly, or allow ourselves to be easily offended; we inflict damage onto the relationships in our lives. These actions usually attack the other persons ego. Emotional damages are difficult to repair, because they erode the trust designated to us by the other people. Therefore the more we can avoid these things the stronger our relationships will be.
As we strive to improve in these areas, we begin to understand how difficult self control really is. This understanding will help us in forgiving others who have hurt us. Forgiving others benefits us the most, because it allows us to be free from the poisonous attitudes grudges invoke in us. There's an old saying that says, "Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. " Unforgiveness makes us bitter.
6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail].
True love is compassionate towards others. A loving heart feels for others, and It rejoices in others victories. It can be tempting to feel pleasure when bad things happen to people, whom we might feel deserved it. Yet it's dangerous to allow ourselves to adopt this attitude. We should never rejoice at any type of injustice, for we risk ingesting a poison that will harden our hearts.
7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].
Love is s powerful force. It strengthens us when we are weak, gives us hope when things seem hopeless, and enables us to do and endure things we could never have imagined possible.
8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away.
Not only were we and this world created by a loving God, but by love itself. God is love. The scriptures says we were created in God's image. Therefore the power of Love is in us. If we would just seek Him in our lives, we would come to know a Love with ultimate integrity. A love that is reliable, and everlasting.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part [for our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete].
Despite all the knowledge there is available in our world, there is still so much more we have yet to realize we don't know.
10 But when that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away.
When truths are revealed then theories and hypothesis fade away. They are no longer necessary, because now the truth is clear.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.
Love requires us to learn and grow. Certain behaviors and habits are acceptable when present in a child. As adults we need to hold on to our inner child. That is never losing our love for life, and living life to the fullest. Yet when an adult acts childishly it takes away from the respect others have for that person. Life is about seeking that loving balance. Growing into adulthood means giving up certain habits, and fostering new ones.
12 For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].
Life is complicated. As we live our lives we are going to go through things that don't make sense to us. We will face challenges that seem unfair and undeserved. Yet as we grow in love, we will experience a sense of peace that only love can provide. As our understanding of love grows, so does our faith in a loving God who sees what we cannot.
13 And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.
When it's all said in done, there are three remaining graces: Faith, Hope, and Love. All three of these being powerful in and of themselves. Each one of these three will pour blessings into our lives. Yet Love is the greatest of all.
Thank you for walking through this chapter with me. I've studied this scripture for years. Yet I am no where near fully understanding the power behind this word. Love is a life's journey, and I wish onto you all of the blessings that come with it.
God bless
