Scripture

1 Corinthians 13:8 (New King James Version)

Love never fails.

Consider

Paul tells us that “love never fails” in the sense that love is eternal and imperishable. Love is always steadfast and sure; it bears all things and never gives up. Love cannot be destroyed by circumstances or disasters, injuries or betrayals. It is solid as a rock, immovable, dependable. It cannot be corrupted by sin or desire; it does not succumb to pressure or fade away. Even when all else fails, love remains.

Can we know such love as this?

The love Paul describes is perfect love, God’s kind of love. In fact, the above paragraph is a good description of God Himself. This makes sense because, as the apostle John wrote, God is love. He showed us his love, his heart, when Jesus walked the earth and modeled for us what it means to love God and each other with deep and unfailing love.

Human love, on the other hand, does fail because it is by nature self-focused. We tend to love with an eye to our own interests. We love jealously, selfishly, manipulatively. Our love is easily provoked to anger and hurt when our desires and appetites are not met. We want proof that we are important and appreciated, so our love keeps a record of wrongs. It may resort to deception or infidelity to satisfy its cravings.

God commands us to love one another but with his kind of love. Our human love is insufficient for the kingdom work he assigns us. Fortunately, by his miraculous and wonderful plan, he fills us with his perfect love as we grow in faith and become more like Jesus. When God’s kind of love rules our hearts, grace rules our relationships. We can look past ourselves and reach out to one who has been hurtful and say, “I care for you. I won’t give up on you. I forgive you.”

Pray

FATHER, your love for me is so great and amazing that it is beyond my understanding. That you could give me such love to share with others is an honor and privilege that I do not take lightly. In the midst of trouble and conflict, help me to reach past my poor human love and extend your kind of love to others. Give me the will to overlook my own interests and dismiss my record of wrongs so that I can love and forgive the people you bring into my life.

Reflect

Song of Songs 8:7;  1 John 4:7-8

Share

Name three clues that you are loving with human love and not God’s kind of love.