#21: THE LOVE OF GOD
(from I Corinthians 13, continued)
Love and faith are divinely connected, for love believes all
the things God has said. (v. 7, Galatians 5:6)
One walking in the old nature is suspicious and critical,
but one filled with love believes the best of others. (v. 5, 7)
Some harbor thoughts of resentment about suffered wrongs.
But one who walks in love and forgiveness
walks in the light and rejoices in God’s Word.
(v. 13:5-6, II Cor. 10:5, Phil. 4:8, John 17:17, Psalm 119:14, 162)
Childish-minded Christians are self-centered
and often follow their flesh.
But those who are mature consistently walk in love.
(v. 11, 14:20)
One filled with God’s love doesn’t take account of evil
done to him, but a self-centered person takes revenge. (v. 5)
The spiritually immature are selfish and self-centered
and one who loves the world always pursues
his own happiness.
But those who are full of God’s love show commitment
and understanding and share unselfishly with others. (v. 5)
One with God’s love endures whatever comes,
but one who lives in the flesh is quick to snap at others. (v. 7, 5)
One who is always exposing others’ mistakes lacks love,
but God’s love protects, shields, and supports.
(v. 7, I Peter 4:8, Proverbs 10:12)
Love is merciful; so merciful that it remains patient and kind,
even after it has suffered long. (v. 4)
Love meets the standards of justice, for it shuns iniquity
and rejoices in the truth. (v. 6)
Foolishness is pure joy to a fool,
but those with God’s love rejoice in the truth. (v. 3:6, Pr. 15:21)
The scoffer is envious and proud,
but God's love is patient, longsuffering, meek and kind.
(v. 4, Proverbs 21:24)
A self-focused person always talks about himself,
but one filled with God’s love seeks to make
others feel valuable, secure, and needed.
(v. 4, Philippians 2:4)
One moving outside of love seeks his own glory,
but a love-filled Christian seeks the glory of Jesus
and our Heavenly Father.
(v. 5, John 17:8)
Beloved, don’t be resentful and focused
on past wrongs committed against you.
But walk in love and forgive unconditionally. (v. 5)
A wicked man plans how he can hurt others.
And a fool laughs when evil and injustice happen to others.
But wise people walk in the love God
and rejoice when right and truth prevail.
(v. 5-6, Proverbs 6:12-18, 14:9)
No matter what opposition or contrary circumstances come,
love continues to endure, continues to stand,
and continues to believe God’s Word. (v. 7)
Love is full of hope, and gives endurance,
and believes all things that God has spoken. (v. 7)
Note: this devotional is from Proverbs of Faith, Hope, and Love, Volume 1, from Day 6, pages 23-25.