Do you ever read a passage in Scripture and feel like it will be impossible to master the exhortation (in this life that is)?! Of course there are countless I can think of, but one that has recently been a burden on my heart, and a consistent prayer is that of 1 Corinthians 13- the infamous passage on love. Love is described in detail, in specifics, in character, in a way that brings Christ into better view; because He was and will always be the only would who could perfectly exhibit love.
Unfortunately our culture has taken that passage and distorted its meaning. Culture has taken away the weight of the Truth within it; love has become something wishy-washy, mixed with feelings, and swaying with every circumstance and situation. Conditions are put on every relationship where love is involved, and the word itself has become trite. What a tragedy.
As believers we MUST understand what TRUE love is, and we MUST pursue exemplifying it. Our love will set us apart in this world. Take a look at the characteristics of TRUE, Godly, Bibilical, Christ-like love...
"Love is patient,
love is kind,
and is not jealous;
love does not brag,
and is not arrogant,
does not act unbecomingly;
it does not seek its own,
is not provoked,
does not take into account a wrong suffered,
does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.
Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
When I take a look at that list I am humbled in a way I cannot even explain. My love, even for the ones whom are closest to me doesn't measure up to this standard. Some areas are easier than others. Each of us has our weaknesses and it is in those areas that we must strive to mortify our flesh and put on Christ, to grow in godliness. It is not am impossible feat. This kind of love is NOT a choice for the believer-it is a command, an exhortation, a charge. This kind of love for the believer is not exemplified in our strength, but only by the Spirit's transforming work in our hearts and lives. This kind of love mirrors Christ's perfect love, and is a picture continually of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to all we love (both the lovely and the unlovely). When we love like Christ, we bring Him much glory. It is our calling, let us walk in it.
It is my prayer that as I pray through 1 Corinthians 13 daily, and seek to grow in areas where I am weak, and to strengthen the areas I am growing in already, that I will truly love more and more like Jesus. I will trust in HIS power and working in my life and pray for Him to glorify Himself through my love. Praise God who works in us to make us more like Christ!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Stop and See
The past two weeks of my life have seemed like a fairy tale; not only did I marry the One my heart loves (and adores more than anything), but I gotto experience bliss in "paradise" with him. I am truly blessed and beyond grateful for the gift of marriage our precious God created and ordained.
And now, it's "back to reality", or so it seems. Life seemed to slow down and almost stand still for those two weeks and taught me an important lesson- to enjoy each moment, every day; from the mundane to the surreal, because each one is a manifestation of the grace of God, a gift, a treasure.
So often we are always looking forward to the next big thing, rather than enjoying and being faithful with the moment, the hear and now. How many opportunities do we miss to see the beauty of God's creation, to speak Truth, to show love, to pray (and the list goes on)...if only we would stop and enjoy. In James 1:17 we read, " Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change", what deep and rich encouragement. If we would recognize each day as a gift, each unplanned event, each conversation, each sunset, each and every breath...an ordained treasure and evidence of God's goodness to us.
My prayer is that I would seek to see God's goodness and faithfulness in EVERY moment and in everything. That my heart would fix itself continually on praising and glorifying Him for who He is and for the abundance of blessings He has bestowed upon me. Life won't ever "slow down", but our observation, perception, and perspective can...and because of that I will glorify God for He is good!
And now, it's "back to reality", or so it seems. Life seemed to slow down and almost stand still for those two weeks and taught me an important lesson- to enjoy each moment, every day; from the mundane to the surreal, because each one is a manifestation of the grace of God, a gift, a treasure.
So often we are always looking forward to the next big thing, rather than enjoying and being faithful with the moment, the hear and now. How many opportunities do we miss to see the beauty of God's creation, to speak Truth, to show love, to pray (and the list goes on)...if only we would stop and enjoy. In James 1:17 we read, " Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change", what deep and rich encouragement. If we would recognize each day as a gift, each unplanned event, each conversation, each sunset, each and every breath...an ordained treasure and evidence of God's goodness to us.
My prayer is that I would seek to see God's goodness and faithfulness in EVERY moment and in everything. That my heart would fix itself continually on praising and glorifying Him for who He is and for the abundance of blessings He has bestowed upon me. Life won't ever "slow down", but our observation, perception, and perspective can...and because of that I will glorify God for He is good!
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