Love With All Your Heart
A Treatise on True Love 1 Corinthians 13
by
Linda Driver
2
Love is kind
Maggie had a sharp tongue, and she was proud of it? She had a real knack for pointing out flaws in others. She told herself she was just being honest with people. just telling it as it was. The trouble was, her words were like poisoned arrows sent out to hurt and destroy.
Maggie's parents had been extremely critical, and this was the only way she knew how to relate to others. It seemed that every conversation revolved around picking someone apart. Although people tried to avoid her, she didn't avoid them, but stuck her nose in everybody's business. She didn't even stop to think what people thought of her; she felt that her criticism was necessary. How else would people know what was wrong with them? Ironically, her critical and sarcastic tongue gave her a sense of importance and belonging although it alienated everyone with whom she had contact.
Then one day Maggie came face to face with the claims of God's love as found in the Bible:
"Love....is kind." 1 Corinthians 13:4
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness,
humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering."
Colossians 3:12
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
just as God in Christ forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,
in honor giving preference to one another;"
Romans 12:10
Love seeks to bless and uplift others with encouraging words.
Love is tenderhearted and merciful, showing compassion on all, especially the weak and undeserving.
Love is soft spoken and gentle.
Love actively seeks to comfort and serve others, whoever and wherever there is a need, and always watches for opportunities to minister to others.
Love does not allow favoritism or prejudice, but respect all person equally and considers each one of infinite value.
Love returns good for evil, kindness for cruelty , and love for hate.
Love has no malice or ill will.
Love is a flowing out of one's self for the happiness and blessing of others.
Love cares about other peoples feelings and is sensitive and sympathetic to their needs.
Love never speaks unkindly under any circumstances.
Love never speaks unkindly under any circumstances.
Love never offends any by and unkind act or even by a look.
Love is not critical or harsh.
Love is not annoying or bothersome.
Love does not antagonize or tease others in a way that hurts them.
This a most important lesson for all Christ followers to understand. I have just had to talk with a sister in Christ that has the attitude that she must point out the faults of non Christians that are offended by the Christians. Her unkindness just fed the hurts of this one person toward Christians. I kindly tried to tell her that we are to suffer for Christ, even if it means we hold our tongue when we want to let the words fly~ Thanks for the reminder! hugs~
ReplyDeleteThank you for this reminder of what love is, and what it is not. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!
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