1 Corinthians 13:4-7, New Living Translation

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

I truly believe that love is the hardest thing that God has asked us to do. To love an individual (s) through their weaknesses, through their flaws, through their mistakes, is not an easy task. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT) says, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

This is what love is. It’s a high calling to live up to. We will not always get it right. That’s why we have and need Jesus. He knows we are human, made from dust. He knows we won’t always get it right. He doesn’t expect perfection, He simply expects our best. 

We can take our weaknesses, our flaws, our mistakes before the Lord, and we can seek Him. We can see Him for forgiveness, direction, strength, and encouragement. Our gracious Lord knows what we need before we even speak a word. 

Many times, we may feel overlooked or unloved. But God sees us and knows our heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT) says, But the Lord said to Samuel, “… The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” He sees our heart and the heart of those whose lives we touch. If we keep our eyes on Him, if we are looking for His love that He gives each and every day, maybe that would transform the way we think, the way we feel, the way we love. 

We serve a mighty big God. Nothing is impossible for Him. In our weakness, He is strong. Where there is no way, He makes a way! 

I recently had a friend share a scripture with me. It’s the same friend who mentioned a few articles ago, and actually the same scripture. I took that as God wanting me to hear it again, and maybe it’s something you need to hear again. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand…. For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” (Isaiah 41:10, 13, NLT)

As we approach this new year, let us be resolute. Resolute to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. Let us be resolute to love one another from the outpouring of love Christ gives us. Amen.