Usually when the word love pops up in conversation it is natural to go to the warm fuzzy thoughts. Love makes us think of great memories, beautiful gestures and special people. It is easy to think of the “good stuff” involved with love. What love does for us and what we do for LOVE. Love is great for movie stars and song writers. Many awards have gone to those who have tapped into the “love” bug.
When looking at 1 Corinthians 13, Paul begins to explain how important love is. He discusses the importance of finding the ability to experience a true and genuine love through several examples. Paul states that you can give to the hungry, surrender your body or have faith that could move a mountain…but if you don’t have love, it amounts to nothing. Love is a key element in possessing the true spirit of Christianity.
So, do you have love in your life? I would quickly respond yes and justify that by thinking of the people I love and the love that is shown to me. The love I have for friends, that makes me want to volunteer help to them when in need. The love I have to serve when the opportunity is presented….. Yes, love is in my life – check, check, check!
But the flip side of encompassing the spirit of the emotion is to realize what should not be done when someone is filled with love. I feel that developing this love is a never ending process. Consequently, this was a difficult article for me to write because it takes age and wisdom to develop a complete and genuine love.
Love does not brag
People who truly love refrain from rehearsing their good traits, particularly when others are critical of them. Bragging in a relationship often assumes the guise of defensiveness. When someone makes and accusation against us our typical reaction is to prove them wrong. We may even list all the instances that counterbalance the charges. That is boasting. If we possess God's kind of love, rather than jump into defense mode against the accusations by boasting of the good things, we should explore the feelings that have surfaced and do something to relieve them. Love does not brag.
People who truly love refrain from rehearsing their good traits, particularly when others are critical of them. Bragging in a relationship often assumes the guise of defensiveness. When someone makes and accusation against us our typical reaction is to prove them wrong. We may even list all the instances that counterbalance the charges. That is boasting. If we possess God's kind of love, rather than jump into defense mode against the accusations by boasting of the good things, we should explore the feelings that have surfaced and do something to relieve them. Love does not brag.
Love is not arrogant
People who truly love do not stubbornly insist that their way is best and demand that others give in. Arrogance, like boasting, can come in different sizes and shapes; it often erupts in the "I know best--we'll do it my way" stance. It is easy to put others down in an arrogant fashion. Our culture tends to think that the individual who can, snap-snap-snap and “I told you so” is the stronger. However, if we embrace God's kind of love we will carefully consider the other person’s point of view. This is what love does. It does not make us visible but rather makes others visible to us.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please allow us to understand and experience love in our lives. Be with us as we stretch out to love those around us. Give us the strength to see the opportunities that you provide. Thank you for the blessings you give and love you share.
In your Son’s name we pray~
AMEN.
Ashleigh Feuerbacher
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