Celebrating God’s Love

This month we think of Love. We give cards, candy and other gifts to the ones we love. We want to show how we feel about them in a special way. But one of the most powerful ways we can show love is God’s way.

In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 in the Bible’s message we read about God’s love and the qualities of that love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others. It isn’t always me first, doesn’t fly off the handle. It doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, or revel when others grovel. It takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.

These are the qualities we should strive to develop in the love we share with others.

Legend has it that a wealthy merchant traveling through the Mediterranean world looking for the distinguished Pharisee Paul, encountered Timothy, who arranged a visit. Paul was, at the time, a prisoner in Rome. Stepping inside the cell, the merchant was surprised to find a rather old man, physically frail, but whose sincerity and magnetism challenged the visitor. They talked for several hours. Finally, the merchant left with Paul’s blessing. Outside the prison, a concerned man inquired: What is the secret of this man’s power? I have never seen anything like it before. Timothy replied, “Did you not guess it? Paul is in love.” The merchant looked bewildered. In love? Yes, said Timothy, Paul is in love with Jesus Christ. The merchant looked even more bewildered. Is that all? Smiling Timothy replied, sir, that is everything.

Our love for others should come from God’s Love flowing through us to them.

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