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.
I remembered I used these verses when I told someone I like to get into a relationship a long time ago. Looking back, it was nothing but a fainting memory. It no longer hurt as it was before.
It wasn’t until recently that I realized Paul used this passage to describe the love among brothers and sisters in Christ in a church setting.
There are two ways to read this passage. I can read this and critique others.
Lately, I am trying to read it as an encouragement for my own actions and feelings. Especially those times when I am feeling not very lovingly….
I am losing my patience. I am getting angry. I don’t want to keep going. This is so hard. Why should I have to love……I don’t want to love. I am losing hope. This sucks.
Then I reflect on this passage….
Oh…though I don’t feel like loving right now. To love is to preserve. Therefore, I can or learn to choose to be kind. Choose to have patience.
There’s a difference between aligning Scriptures to fit me instead of aligning myself to the Scriptures. The former is self seeking. The latter Glorifies God.
