I don't think there is a believer who is not acquainted with the words of 1 Cor. 13. Yet, the other morning, listening to the Word being preached from the pulpit, it struck me that we do not really pay enough attention to the contents of this, one of the most beautiful passages in the Word.
Love. I must have love. I must show love. The very foundation of my every thought, word and deed should be love.
The Lord Jesus said in answer to the question asked Him by a lawyer as to which is the greatest commandment in the law (can you just see that legal mind ticking away attempting to outsmart the Lord?):
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all
your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: "You
shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law
and the Prophets." Matt. 22: 37-40
Interesting last words: What do they mean? Simply that we cannot keep the Law or obey the prophets without love!
Read 1 Cor. 13 again, slowly...
Nothing I do is worth anything at all if it is not founded in love.
The biggest misconception we as human being suffer is that love is mere passion. Yes, of course, passion has its part in loving somebody, but true love asks a decision of your will. Augustinus says of God: "You love your creatures, but without passion." When you love as God does, unconditionally, viewing loved ones lovingly yet dispassionately, your judgment in critical situations will be more just, more lenient, more compassionate, more practical, more beneficial to them; selfless.
If we can convince ourselves to take this all-important decision before making our marriage vows, then, I believe, we will not have half the number of divorces taking place. Instead we will in critical situations be reminded that we had decided to love and keep loving this person, come what may...
Thank You, Lord, that your love is unending....everlasting, from generation to generation, forevermore.
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