Love

Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited;5 does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked; does not keep a record of wrongs;6 finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth;7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Cor 13:4-7 (HCSB)

Last time we talked about motivation. The right motivation is important but what is that right motivation? It is love. Not love as defined by our culture but love defined by Scripture. The apostle Paul describes that love in these verses. Take some time to really reflect on all of the qualities and characteristics found here in 1 Corinthians 13. Do you find them in your life? Are they part of your character, your nature? Do you have to work at them?

It is interesting that in a closer examination some have suggested these are really the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5.22ff) reworded. It is an interesting theological/Biblical discussion. But it is worthy to be reminded that without us surrendering to the control and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives it really is impossible for us to genuinely love as Paul describes.

Paul challenges the Christ follower to look deeply into the heart, surrender to the Holy Spirit and love others as Christ has loved us.