In the last two days, God has used many resources to have me read 1 Corinthians 13, “The Love Chapter”. Yesterday I was listening to a sermon that referenced the chapter, this morning I felt I needed to read it again during my devotion and then today I started following a “read through the bible” program and today’s reading was …. 1 Corinthians 13. So I must ask myself, what is God trying to say to me?
First, it is a reminder for the Clark Family. With the tension mounting over the move, love is not being shown at times. We are irritable with each other and not very compassionate. This chapter reminds me that we can still give up our house, cars, office and the comforts of North Dallas and still not produce fruit unless we have love as the center of my life.
Second, the reminder is for me and dealing with people. Over the last few days, we have faced people who are not being very nice to us as we are trying to close our ties to the US as far as phones, etc. Again, God is reminding me unless I have love for these people I will never be the light I desire in Asia. Unless I am kind, forgiving and constant with my love, I will not be the person I want to be. Even if I have the faith to take my family across the world and start a business venture that will not matter if I do not have love.
Ok, I get the reminders. It is a very hard lesson. You want to be angry and strike out at people who treat you unfairly, but that is not love. What is love then? Paul describes it in 1 Corinthians 13 and Jesus modeled it on the cross. It is a love that trusts, hopes and endures for God’s glory.
Please Father, may your grace abound in me that I love as you have commanded us.
Blessings, Jay
