Love That Lasts
“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. ” II Timothy 1:7
Every Christian has been given the spirit of love. Jesus wants it shown. The traits of love are revealed in I Corinthians 13:4 – 8.
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.”
Consider each trait as a column supporting a roof. The roof given support is noted in verse 7. The word “bears” is translated from the Greek word “stegei.” It means “to cover over or provide a roof.” This means love puts up a shelter to shield or cover. Consider the columns and note if any need repair.
* Love is long suffering, that is, is patient. The word employed always refers to patience with people, not circumstances. There is another word for that.
* Love is kind. The Greek root word translated “kind” means to be “useful.” This means love is uncompromisingly courteous. It is a triumph of grace.
* Love does not envy. Envy is wanting what others have. Bragging is an attempt to make them want what you have.
* Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up. To “parade” oneself means to verbalize pride. Our word “windbag” comes from this meaning.
* Love does not behave rudely. It is always polite and never disorderly. It is Christian etiquette at work.
* Love doesn’t seek its own. It isn’t selfish. It doesn’t demand its rights.
* Love is not provoked. It isn’t always ready to quarrel or fight.
* Love thinks no evil. The word “thinks” translates the Greek work LOGIZOMAI which is an accounting term meaning “to keep an account.” Love doesn’t keep score.
* Love doesn’t rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Love doesn’t brag over sin. It does not expose the weaknesses of others.
* Love believes all things. Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life is the personification of “the truth.” Do you rejoice in Him fully?
* Love hopes all things. It desires the fulfillment of all things good.
* Love endures all things, means to suffer to help people work things out.
Are your columns sturdy and your roof not leaking? Love, you have it, it is a gift from God. Now give Him an account as to how you are using it. Make a conscious effort to henceforth show love for Christ sake.