Where is Love?

1 Corinthians 13
And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love).
1 Corinthians 13:13


LET IT GLOW

This is the week of Christmas. Most everyone is busy with last minute shopping. Where is love? When I go shopping, do I see people loving each other, or do I see rudeness, selfishness?

Where is love? Yes, I see it in  people who stop in the isles, taking time to talk with people they know and care about, maybe haven't seen in a while. Even in the parking lot this occurs. Other times, they speak briefly or wave, and then hurry about their business.

Where is love? I see it in people helping each other, holding the door open, letting others in front of them in line, smiles, a nod of the head, a hug. I see it in Christmas lights at night, read it in Christmas cards, taste it in Christmas candy, find it in children, family, and friends.

Where is love? I hear it in the Christmas carols, greetings of "Merry Christmas."

Where is love? It's found in Luke chapter 2- when God came down to earth to be born and live as a man, then gave Himself as the "Sacrificial Lamb" for you and me.  I find love in my heart as the Holy Spirit fills me. I find it in  1 Corinthians 13.

Where do you find love?

Rick Warren, in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, says:

Life is all about love. Because God is love, the most important lesson He wants you to learn on earth is how to love. It is in loving that we are most like Him, so love is the foundation of every command He has given us
(Galatians 5:14)

Love should be your top priority, primary objective, and greatest ambition. Relationships must have priority in your life above everything else. Why?
1. Life without love is really worthless. Verse 3 in  The Message states: "No matter what I say, what I
    believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love." In Matthew 16:18, Jesus summarized what matters
    most to God, "love God and love people."
2. Love will last forever. (verse 13) Love is a legacy. How you treated other people, not your wealth or
    accomplishments, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth.
3. We will be evaluated on our love. In heaven, God won't ask about your career, bank account, or
     hobbies. Instead, He will review how you treated other people, particularly those in need.
     What we do to the least, we do to Jesus. (Matt. 25:40)
     The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:6 NIV)

How do I express love?
The importance of things can be measured by how much time we are willing to invest in them. The more time you give to something, the more you reveal its importance and value to you. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you will never get back. Your time is your life. That's why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time. The best time to love is now.

With what or whom do I need to start spending more time? What do I need to cut out of my schedule to make it possible?


LET IT GROW

Shepherd's Notes states:
Love is active, not static. Love is something people do.
What does love do? Love is patient, kind, rejoices with the truth, always protects, trusts, hopes, persevers.
What does love not do?It does not envy, boast, isn't proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs. (verses 4, 6, 7)

Love never fails, even though prophecies, tongues, knowledge will because they are temporal, not eternal.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (verse 7 NKJV)

Falwell tells us in Liberty Bible Commentary:

Love bears all things, covers all things; believes all things, not gullible, but believes well of others unless convinced otherwise; hopes all things, rather than a negative and ciritical spirit, it is always positive and hopeful; endures all things, sustains the assults of an enemy. Love alone abides. Its clearest expression is to be seen on Golgotha's hill.

Blackaby states, in the devotional book, Experiencing God Day-By-Day:

Love has no limits. "All things" means everything is included. Love assumes the best about others-an offense was unintentional, harm is forgiven unconditionally. You practice  the same unconditional  love toward others that Christ gives to you.



Where is love? Do others find it in me? Do they see the love of God in me through patience, kindness, truth, hope, perseverence?
Do I bear, believe, hope, endure everything for the glory of God?
Help me Lord!

LET IT GO

I need to learn to let it go, laying it at the foot of the cross, letting Jesus handle situations.

Spend more time showing love to others.

Bear, believe, hope, endure whatever.

Love, and love some more.