I Pray that this will Bring Love Alive in YOU!!!
In 1st Corinthians 13:4-7 "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, trusts all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
If the body of Christ would only embrace and live by these principles - we would be perfectly in His image. GOD IS THE PERFECT REFECTION OF LOVE.
These are NOT EASY tasks to accomplish - but if we set our minds focused on God - they would be fruitful and evident in our daily lives. The messes that we seem to find ourselves in with situations, people and daily lives - if only we could apply these principles to life, we would be so more better off.
1. LOVE SUFFERS LONG - When we feel like giving up on us or on others - The Love within us needs to rise up and set it's feet firm planted - and say to ourselves - "self, I'm not giving up today. I'm going show commitment and steadfastness in ALL that I do.
2. LOVE IS KIND - A situation may arise when we need to be KIND - considerate, friendly, warm-hearted nature, showing sympathy or understanding; charitable, agreeable; beneficial. All these are the characteristics of being kind. Whatever situation, even if you feel like you have the best advice for someone -release it in a kind way. In a way that you know that will be beneficial for THAT person. Not just to prove that you know better than they do. Also in daily life - be kind to all. Have kindness inbred within your actions. Let all your actions and words express kindness.
3. LOVE DOES NOT ENVY - have you ever felt a feeling of uneasiness or mortification in regard to (any one), arising from the sight of another's excellence or good fortune and a longing to possess it? This is ENVY. Love does not envy - we are to be content in who we are. Not seeking anyone else's thoughts, possessions, gifts/talents, abilities. God has placed what He wills in our lives.
4. LOVE DOES NOT PARADE - To behave so as to attract attention; to show off. We as the body of Christ need to learn NOT draw attention to ourselves. As the Word says: don't pray like the heathens do standing on the corner - waiting to be noticed. Don't ever think your better than ANYONE. Jesus was actually speaking to the church. They were the ones trying to show off that they could pray better than anyone else. They were trying to seek position in the church. But in the true church- WE as the body of Christ - We are to work together - not parading the gifts God has giving us.
5. LOVE IS NOT TO PUFFED UP / PRIDE - If we could learn not to be puffed up - or proud when we are dealing with others. If we could live in the humility of Christ and come to each other as servants and not act like we are better than someone. Your humility reflects your love. HUMILITY is priority in love.
6. LOVE DOES NOT BEHAVE RUDELY - This characteristic of Love should be combined with being KIND. Love does not act abruptly and unpleasantly; love does not lack in refinement or grace. We should be pleasant to all and in all.
7. LOVE IS NOT SELFFISH - Defined as "concerned chiefly or only with oneself." This applies to everyone. Put others before yourself. Don't seek things out for your own gain.
MORE WILL BE WRITTEN ON THE FOLLOWING-
8. LOVE IS NOT PROVOKED
9. LOVE DOES NOT THINK EVIL
10. LOVE DOES NOT REJOICE IN SIN
11. LOVE REJOICES IN TRUTH
12. LOVE BEARS ALL
13. LOVE TRUSTS ALL
14. LOVE HOPES IN ALL THINGS
15. LOVE ENDURES ALL
All of these characteristics - are all WHO GOD IS. We have them within ourselves - we need to shine forth the light that He has placed within us. |
