LOVE’S
CREED Monday February 15,
2016
Text:
1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7 Memory verse: v 4
Creed here means set of principle.
Because love is so important among the believers, Paul described love in
detail. First of all, love is patient, the opposite of being short-tempered.
Patience (sometimes translated “long-suffering” or “slow to anger”) is an
attribute of God (see Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:20). In many places,
we are called upon to be patient (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians. 5:14). Patience
is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Such love bears with certain annoyances
or inconveniences without complaint. It does not lose its temper when provoked.
It steadily perseveres.
Love is also kind. Kindness takes the
initiative in responding generously to others’ needs. Because we have received
kindness, we ought to act with kindness toward others too. Real love is considerate
and helpful to others. Kind love is gentle and mild; always ready to show
compassion, especially to those in need. Love is not jealous. A jealous person
desires what another person has and it leads to envy. Love is not boastful or
proud. While some believers may have a problem with envy, those with the ‘greater’
gifts might have a problem with boasting or pride. While some pride can be
positive, this kind of pride takes credit for an undeserved gift. Gifted
believers who are caught up in pride and boasting over their gifts don’t serve
well. Without love, they may feel that by using their gifts, they are doing
someone a favour, that others should be grateful to them, and that they are far
superior. Do you have this kind of love in your heart for God and your
neighbour?
Food
for Thought:
1 Peter 4:8
Prayer: God, sow genuine love for you and my neighbours in my heart.
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