4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
REFLECTION
- In this chapter, Paul not only defines love but shows us why this is the most excellent way to relate to anyone—especially to members of the family of God.
- True spirituality has nothing to do with one’s gifts, training, or performing skills. The truly spiritual person is the individual whose attitude and actions express love.
- Read this passage slowly and meditatively. Allow the words to sink in and compare each phrase to your own understanding and action of love.
- Copy verses 4-8a on an index card, memorize it, or bring it out to review often. Examine your own attitude and actions often to see if there is any love expressed.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv4-8a only.)
Copy vv4-8a on a piece of cardboard. As a family, learn to memorize it together. Post it up where it’s easy for all to see. Review it often, ie. before or after each dinner. Perhaps, parents consider a small prize when a child can memorize it.
Proverbs for Today 18:19-21
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.