Love Others
1 Corinthians 13:4a says, “ Love is patient. Love is kind.” As many times as we say to someone, “ I love you”, you’d think we’d get better at being more patient and kind; right ? I’m self-evaluating and I’m not sure if I’m getting better, or worse, at this seemingly impossible feat. I think it’s that “love” issue that gets skewed, misdiagnosed or misinterpreted. The love of “this world” says, “I’ll love you if …” … “ As long as you do what I want you to, I’ll love you”… and THAT kinda love ain’t what God was speaking of in 1 Corinthians 13. The love he was talkin about is pure and unadulterated “AGAPE” love. It’s love that expects nothing in return. It’s sacrificial love…given without counting the costs. Agape love expresses itself in ways that promote Jesus and his character. They say patience is a virtue…( behavior showing high moral standards ) … what’s higher than God’s standards !? If i tell you i love you, and I’m walking in the Spirit, then i oughta be more patient with you ; right ? If im walking in the Spirit, then my kindness towards you oughta reflect more of Jesus and less of me; right ? Maybe that’s my problem. Maybe I’m not walkin in His Spirit, but my own, if I’m not exhibiting the patience and kindness His Spirit promotes. I don’t like me alotta times. I don’t love like i ought to, and that bothers me. I wanna be more Christlike and less, “me-like”. I wonder if that word “melarky” originated from our being more “me-like” and not so much, Christ-like ? Sumpem t’ think on. Lord, if you really wanna do a miracle in me, help me love others like you do. In Jesus’ name…amen.