1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient,
love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
The Messages puts it like this:
“Love never gives up. Love cares more
for others than for self. Loves doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t
strut. Love doesn’t have a swelled head.”
Love is
patient – Love never gives up. Love calmly waits, trusting God. I’m
impatient, doubting. Love is my goal, but one that I often miss.
Love is kind –
Love cares more for others than for self. Love is gentle, helpful, puts
others needs first. I try to be kind; I put others first when it’s convenient. Once
in awhile I go out of my way to help others. I care for my loved ones as
much as for my self – at least at times. Do I ever care more for others more than
for myself? I doubt it.
Love doesn’t
envy – Doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love rejoices in the successes,
comfort, health, wealth, happiness of others; love is happy with its own life.
I do better on this one. I am happy with my own life – but I have been greatly
blessed with good health, enough money, and a great family.
Love does not
boast – Love doesn’t strut. Love is humble. Love is modest. Love is not proud. Love doesn’t have a
swelled head. Love is not arrogant, not full of self. Love recognizes its own
vulnerability and lets it show. Being transparent isn’t easy. Lord, help me
live this.
Blessings, Dottie
