Genuine Love

1 Corinthians 13 teaches us that love is more than empty noise. A Christlike love is self-sacrificing and is earned or deserved by those who receive it.

Wow! Who loves everyone like that?

Most parents love their offspring with that kind of love. Perhaps a husband-wife relationship contains those same qualities, but let’s be honest here. Most family relationships aren’t self-sacrificing all the time, and most family relationships aren’t perfect all the time.

Since we are to imitate God’s love, and His is perfect, let’s examine His example.

1.       God acted faithfully in the past, He will do so in the future. So, should we.

2.       God expresses love to the believer and nonbeliever in difficult circumstances. So, should we.

3.       God is patient. So, should we be.

4.       God is kind. So, should we be.

5.       God does not envy, boast. Neither should we.

6.       God is not conceited. We shouldn’t be either. God knows who He is, and He knows you we are. He loves us anyway.

7.       God rejoices in truth. So, should we.

8.       God endures our petty actions. We should endure the ugly actions of others. 

9.       God forgives. And so should we.

God extends love into eternity. And we will, too.  

And the eternal love will be perfect!