1 Corinthians 13:7-8
“It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for languages, they will cease;
as for knowledge, it will come to an end.”
Most of us know this chapter well – The Love Chapter. I use the word “know” cautiously because do we really understand it? The type of love referenced in this chapter is agape love – selfless and sacrificial. As believers, have we allowed society to taint our call to love selflessly and to act sacrificially?
We are bombarded daily with multi-modal means to destroy and deceive our spiritual understanding and joy. For example, it would be considered acceptable to shun your fellow man out of revenge according to the world’s standards. Yet, God provided the greatest example of love by sending His Son, Jesus, to take upon the sins of the world. He died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Even more, He rose victoriously three days later to restore a broken relationship. Yes, this is our faith and cornerstone – all wrapped around love.
Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
I cannot get this beautiful picture out of my mind. Satan continues to convince the world that he is in control as he wreaks havoc in and around our lives. Yet, faith tells me differently. Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
So what is love? The Son of God who came down in full obedience to the Father to give His life as a sacrifice for the world – a world full of sinners! Therefore, we must see everything and everyone through the eyes of Christ:
-But my friend really hurt me!
[I died for him too.]
-But my body is failing!
[I created your body, and I’ve ordained your days so it’s perfect and exactly as I planned.]
-But my neighbor seems to get all the blessings in life!
[I work everything out to its proper end – Proverbs 16:4]
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Challenge: Dear friends, its time to refocus on the cross!
Thankful,
Christian Armetta
My Deliverer 