MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL
Devotion for Saturday, February 15, 2020
Topic: Love’s Article of Faith
Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7
Yesterday
we talked about Love. In our bible reading for the day, Paul goes further to explain
what Love really means which I have termed Love’s Article of faith or creed. Creed
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). Real
love bears with certain annoyances or inconveniences without complaint. It does
not lose its temper when provoked. It steadily perseveres amidst trials.
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. 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. 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 favor, that others
should be grateful to them, and that they are far superior. It is this kind of
love Paul described here that we need in our hearts to serve God and our
neighbours.
Food for Thought: Do you have this real love in your heart?
Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:8
Prayer:
God, sow in my heart genuine love for you and my neighbours.
