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Biblical Love – 2

I Corinthians 13

 

We have learned in I Corinthians 13 that Biblical love (or charity, as it is stated in the King James Bible), is greater than words, knowledge, generosity, or self-sacrifice. We also learn that Biblical love is patient, kind, humble, and slow to anger.

 

We often struggle as we try to practice this model of unselfish affection. One reason is that the godly expression of caring doesn’t come naturally to us. Pure Christian love puts the other person ahead of our own interests, even when our human inclinations clamor to place self-first. (verse 5) 

 

A second challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behavior. We remember their offense long after it has occurred. That’s not what our Lord did – He loved us while we were still sinners and forgave us for everything. (Romans 5:8, Luke 23:34)

 

Furthermore, it is easier to point out someone else’s unkindness toward us than to see where we have fallen short. Perhaps a close friend has spoken impatiently to us, and we responded with angry words. How easily we can use Scripture to point out their mistakes, but how hard to admit our own.

 

We are called to be loving towards God as well as those around us. (Mark 12:30-31) 

As Believers we’ve received the Holy Spirit, who will help us learn how to care deeply for others.