Beyond Love

I love the verses from I Corinthians 13: “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. Love never fails…” (I Corinthians 13:4-8, NIV

I wish that I could say that I loved like that. I can’t. I wish that these verses were written about me. They weren’t. I wish that I were better at this now, than I was 20 years ago. I don’t know that I am. But what a goal – what an inspiration!

Imagine what the world would be if everyone practiced these few verses. There would be no crime – because people would be more concerned with others than themselves. There would be no divorce, because relationships based on this kind of love would thrive. No dysfunctional families – no wars – no bickering. In fact, life would be perfect. Sounds rather like heaven, doesn’t it?

I don’t know anyone who practices this kind of love all the time. But as Christians, we certainly have the call to do just that. At a time of year where greeting card companies and florists tell us to “show our love” (by giving said greeting cards and flowers), let’s look beyond the self-serving “love” they promote and look at God’s blueprint for love. And, it’s not only His blueprint – it is also a perfect description of who He is. What a beautiful picture! Thank You, God!