Love is patient, love is kind. ... It is not proud; it does not dishonor others. It is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
—1 Corinthians 13:4-6
Some people call 1 Corinthians 13 the Love Chapter. Most pastors read it at weddings because it’s such a strong, comprehensive example of how to love another person. Yet even the kindest and most well-meaning Christians find the Love Chapter a challenge. They wonder if it’s possible to embody everything these verses say love is.
If keeping the tenets of 1 Corinthians 13 seems impossible and unrealistic, that’s because it is. Our human nature doesn’t allow us to love perfectly all the time. Despite our best efforts, we aren’t always kind or patient. We hold grudges against others and act out of pride instead of considering what’s best for someone else. Trying to achieve perfect love as a human can lead to feelings of failure, guilt
and discouragement.
The good news is that it isn’t up to us to embody perfect, unconditional love. Only God can do it 100 percent of the time, and He offers us His strength so we can do it, too. As a believer, you experience God’s unconditional love every day. When you sin, He doesn’t keep score; He patiently wipes away the mistake and encourages you to do right next time. He’s unfailingly kind, He won’t shame or dishonor you and He teaches you truth so you can rejoice in it.
Meditating on God’s unconditional love for you makes it easier and more pleasant to love others, including those who aren’t easy to love. Today, think about a person who needs to know God’s love through you. Thank God for that love, meditate on it and ask for strength to love others as He loves you. Then find the person you thought of, and show him or her love as God leads.
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