Love III

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails . . .   (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, NASB)

First Corinthians 13 is known as “the Love Chapter.”  In Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, he details the attributes of perfect love.  Human beings are not capable of attaining these characteristics, but as followers of Jesus, we’re expected to try.  The only Ones capable of executing these tenets are are the Triune God.  As we humans go through life, we continue to get better, but we’ll not achieve perfection until God calls us home to be with Him.  The attributes of perfect love are consistent with the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). 

I heard someone say (at a Bible study or in a sermon) that we should replace the word “love” with our name to get a good read on where we stand with regard to love.  Mine would be “Wade is patient, Wade is kind,” etc.  If I’m honest with myself, and I’m not patient, for example, then with God’s help, Wade would have some work to do on his patience. 

Last year, an Air Force Academy classmate, Terry Williams, invited me to do an online men’s Bible study.  One of the lessons was on this passage from 1 Corinthians 13.  Referring to the phrase, “does not take into account a wrong suffered,” the author asked:  “Are you unoffendable?”  I had never heard that worded like that, but I knew what it meant, and I knew in an instant that I was guilty.  

Let me first explain that ALS is a contact sport.  I’m constantly being rolled and lifted and placed in a shower chair, wheelchair, recliner, or back in bed.  In the process, it’s possible for many minor injuries to occur.  I’ve been pinched, slapped, had my fingers and toes jammed, had my head squeezed by the hydraulic lift.  I think the only thing that hasn’t happened is I haven’t been bitten.  But none of this is intentional, the caregivers do their best, it just happens.  Normally when it does, I blow it off, but in reflection, I found the only person I wasn’t quick to forgive was the one that I should. 

The person who I’ve borne grudges against?  The woman with whom God paired me; the woman who is supposed to be my best friend; and my partner in life, my wife Sue.  As I said, when I read that question, I was convicted about my conduct.  With God’s help, I resolved to do better.  God’s not done with me yet.  He’s still working on me until the day He decides to take me home.  As for me, I’m trying not to take things so seriously.  I try to smile at her more, and mouth the words “I love you!” more.  My facial muscles are such that I’m sure my smile isn’t what it used to be, and might be mistaken for something else. And I have to do the “I love you!” more than once before she gets it.  But as I said, I’m a work in progress. 

Paul gives us the attributes of perfect love.  Although it’s impossible for us to attain, it’s important that we try.  Someday those who love Jesus will display these exact tenets.  In heaven, the New Jerusalem, there will be no jealousy, and no envy.  There will only be love as you read above.  I can’t wait!  Are you going to heaven?