I Corinthians 13:4 Love…the catalyst for Creation, infinite and unfailing, unconditional, and perfect, strong enough to cast out Fear yet Meek enough to be compassionate, long suffering, and selfless. All characteristics, attributes of our Sovereign, Faithful, promise keeping God. He alone is our inspiration to love, the intentional, spiritual devotion He has for us, living in us and pouring forth from us. It’s Love that created Grace and Mercy, its endurance and patience is reflected in God‘s plan for the ages. Paul describes a perfect, enduring love as patient and kind, not boiling over with jealousy, not boasting or proud of itself, but finding expression in its own humility. It would seem as though this is enough to work on…for a while. A heart with even a small amount of Pride makes it hard to be patient and kind. Acknowledging God‘s patience with us, the kindness He extends to us is what we imitate, we’re called to be ‘Jesus with skin on’. Spirits of Envy and Jealousy battle with Humility… the victory is determined by our intentionally choosing to be followers of Jesus Christ or take a side trip into the darkness. Boasting and Arrogance work their way into our heart through a spirit of Pride. All of these, Envy, Jealousy, Boastful, Arrogance, Impatience and Unkind cannot enter into our heart if Humility stands with his feet firmly planted at the gate. With Sword in hand, he skillfully wards off enemy intruders…l. Paul encourages us to ‘manage’ our personal relationships in the way Love is intended, in power and God given authority. The ability to put others first, to be patient with people and to trust God when the flesh fails is our prayer. Lord, we come, offering a sacrifice of Thanksgiving and praise, acknowledging our weaknesses, our sin against You. Help us to choose obedience when tempted, to be humble and strong during the test. We want to finish this race well. We want to stay the course, be steadfast and in right standing with God.
