The “L” Word

My son has a secret admirer. Why wouldn’t he? He is cute, charming, hilarious, and a great kid! He has been receiving cards and candy all week leading up to Valentine’s Day from a mystery girl. We all think it is cute and fun, but he doesn’t really agree. He is in sixth grade and his whole class knows about the cards, so he is anxious for Valentine’s Day to get here and be over! 😉

The stores are lined with roses and chocolate and we have love on the brain this week. Since we are thinking about it anyway, I thought it would be appropriate to leave you with a reminder of what love looks like for a follower of Jesus. Love for a believer looks different that what we see all around us. Our love is based on an understanding of the love that Jesus has for us and the way he showed us. He loved us in the most unselfish way, sacrificing himself for us, regardless of how we have treated him. His example should lead us to love unconditionally and sacrificially.

Let’s just take a quick look at the notorious love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 and break it down for this Valentine’s week. Where you see the word “love”, substitute your name and ask yourself if you are displaying that kind of love to those around you.

Love is patient.

You are willing to wait. You give a person the time and space to grow. You don’t rush them. (Ephesians 4:2)

Love is kind.

You look out for the interests of others and seek to serve them, expecting nothing in return. You show compassion to those around you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Love does not envy.

You don’t want what someone else has. You are glad for others. (Job 5:2, James 3:16)

Love does not boast.

You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone by telling who you are, what you’ve done, and what you have. (Matthew 6:2, Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Love is not arrogant.

You are humble. You are content and realize that what you have has nothing to do with you anyway, it is all from the Lord. (Philippians 2:3)

Love is not rude.

You are considerate of others in the way you speak and act. (Proverbs 15:1)

Love doesn’t insist on its own way.

You are open to ideas of others and value their opinions. You are a team player. (Proverbs 12:15)

Love is not irritable.

You have a long fuse. You want others to enjoy and not dread being around you. (James 1:19)

Love is not resentful.

You don’t keep records of the scores and grow bitter because of it. You are quick to forgive, forget, and move on. You are mindful of the forgiveness that you have from the Lord which causes you to forgive quickly. (Ephesians 4:32)

Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

You don’t get excited when you think someone got what they deserve. You realize the truth that we are all sinners in need of the same grace and rejoice in what is true about God, ourselves, and others. (Philippians 4:8)

Love bears all things.

You are in it for the long haul. You share the burdens of those that you love and help hold up the load with them. (Galatians 6:2)

Love believes all things.

You believe what is true about God and others. You have faith in the plan of God and believe he also has a plan and purpose for every person. (Ephesians 1:18-19)

Love hopes all things.

You have a confident expectation about things to come. Your hope leads to worship and encouragement to those around you. (Hebrews 11:1, Isaiah 40:31)

Love endures all things.

Just as Jesus endured the cross, you realize you also have a cross to bear. You will be faithful to the end. (Hebrews 12:2)

Love never ends.

You don’t have an exit strategy or even consider one. A relationship with Jesus is eternal and you realize he never gives up on you. You love in the same way, without thinking of a way out. (Jeremiah 31:3)

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