1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul emphasizes the supremacy and necessity of love. He states that spiritual gifts like prophecy and knowledge are meaningless without love. Love is patient, kind, not envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, or easily angered. It does not keep record of wrongs but rejoices in truth. Love protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Paul makes it clear that love is the most excellent way and greater than faith and hope. Without love, we are nothing. This passage reminds us of the importance of loving God and loving others. Everything we do should be motivated by love.

This passage challenges me to examine my motivations and actions. It's easy for me to go through religious motions without sincere love. I can serve in church, pray, read my Bible, and even share my faith, while neglecting love. This happens when my focus shifts to myself and my own glory rather than God's glory and serving others. But ministry and spiritual gifts profit nothing without love as the foundation. I'm reminded to pursue love above all else. Only by God's grace can I love like He loves - freely, generously, and sacrificially. I cannot manufacture this love on my own. I need the Holy Spirit to pour God's love into my heart daily. As I abide in Christ, His perfect love will flow through me to others. May God give me a heart of compassion to love as He has loved me.

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me what love is through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Son Jesus. Help me to walk in love, motivated by Your love in all my thoughts, words, and actions each day. Empower me by Your Spirit to love my family, friends, neighbors, enemies, and brothers and sisters in Christ with Your perfect love. Guard my heart against selfishness, pride, and lack of forgiveness. Give me eyes to see people as You see them. Make me an instrument of Your love to everyone I encounter today. In Jesus' name, Amen.