1 LOV3, Day 2- Love is...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

1 Corinthians 13:4

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Paul's letter to the people of Corinth encouraged them to eagerly desire the greater gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31).He hoped that through his explanation of love, that they would recognize love as the "most excellent way" to achieve such desire. In chapter 13 Paul gives action to the word love. He establishes that love is not merely an emotion. It is an action to be performed, it has character. Love is a behavior.

Now, at first glance Paul's list of don'ts seemingly outweighs his list of do's as it pertains to love. Love is patient. Love is kind. If your'e human, like myself, it is not always easy being patient; depending on the situation kindness can be a challenge in itself. Patience is described as, the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. The dictionary defines kindness as, the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Paul didn't provide an excessive list DO's because these two behaviors are not perfectly learned nor consistently practiced. As it relates to love, if we are intentional in our ability to be patient and show kindness towards one another we will successfully avoid the other behaviors. But why patience and kindness? Of all the ways to express love, why did Paul choose these two qualities? Well, let's refer to Galatians 5. Patience and kindness are fruits of the Holy Spirit. This means that as followers of Christ we have been instilled with these qualities. They are the fruit that is produced in us as a result of our connection to Him. When we are patient we do not envy the blessings of others. We don't yearn for their position, power or possessions because we trust the timing of God to grant us the desires of our hearts in His time. When we practice a life filled with kindness we do not boast nor are we prideful. We recognize that we are blessed not of ourselves but because Jesus saw fit to intercede on our behalf. We share our time, talents and testimonies instead of bragging about them. We encourage others to seek the Kingdom of heaven that they too may be fortunate enough to experience Him. That's love. That is what Paul wanted for the people of Corinth. It is what God wants for us. A love far more gratifying that an intense feeling or deep affection. A love not measured by the giving and receiving of tangible gifts. But a love that penetrates the spiritual realm. Love that is sowed with patience and watered in kindness will reap blessings for generations. Ask God for patience. Pray that your heart flows with kindness. The results of such love will be unprecedented.