His Abide

“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day
For the eye’s a better pupil than the ear is anyway,”
Anonymous

Read and Review: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

Reflection/Revelation: There are only three things that will determine our relationship with Jesus Christ at His return. Those three things are faith, hope and love, but the greatest is love. Love is defined in scripture as being patient and kind and selfless in relationship with others. Some define love as to sacrifice, but if one sacrifices all that they have and do not love people, then neither do they love God, and their sacrifice is meaningless. (1 John 4:8)
In the day of Christ’s judgment, there will be those who will boast of doing great things in Jesus name. ( Matthew 7: 22-23). But Jesus said we would know those who are his disciples by their love. In fact, those who boast of their relationship to Christ while they abuse others with their tongues and/or actions, are at best an irritation.
(1 Corinthians 13:1-13) But love is truly seen in the acts of patience,  kindness,  consideration and forgiveness.
The world is watching, and they want to see if God’s love is for real.

Relate in Application: I recall what the Apostle Paul said concerning his frustration with the flesh; which is the thing that wars against the believer’s spirit. I can relate totally with his frustration, can you? In fact, I don’t do what the Holy Spirit would want me to do all the time, but rather,  what my selfish flesh wants to do.  Having recognized my weakness, I asked the Lord to give me foresight, instead of hindsight into these circumstances. I want to do right, but because of my impetuousness, I react immediately,  too many times with regret. So I asked Him to prompt me by His Holy Spirit before saying or doing anything when relating to others.  And so He did. When I was in a situation where it would be better for the other person for me to practice “patience”, the Lord reminded me to be patient. In another situation when it was better for the other person that I not retaliate the same way I was offended, the Lord prompted me to be forgiving and kind. I had victory, by heeding the prompt, instead of ignoring it and going on. In all of this I am dependent on God’s grace to do what is pleasing to Him. (Romans 7: 14-25)

As this chapter in Corinthians explains, love is not being spiritual as in displaying the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but rather LOVE is how we act towards one another. When we can relate to others with Christ’s love, then we may be asked that wonderful question,
“What is the Hope that is within You.” I want to be asked that question, and so I am letting God’s love lead the way. How about you?

Response in Prayer: Lord,  thank you for revealing to us what is really important. Our sacrifices are not to draw attention to ourselves but to lift you up. For you are the author and finisher of our faith, and complete us in your unconditional Love.
(1 John 4: 7-10, Ephesians 3:16-19)

What’s your Reflection on this Passage? Please Let us Know.

Happy Valentine’s Day!