Devotions — 2016.01.26

Devotions — 2016.01.26

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love
1 Corinthians 13; 13

A few verses earlier, the nature of love is described: 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.
I can do all of this, at least a little. But loving totally, as described here, even difficult people that would be quite difficult for me. Jesus loves me so much, as described here, and I love him too, albeit with a weak love. Yes, I must confess, really I cannot totally love. There is too much selfishness and concern for my own well-being. There’s too much pride. There is too little trust in God and a lot of confidence in my own strength and wisdom. Oh, Lord, You see my dilemma?
Slowly I realize: Here the love of Jesus for me is described. Set the name of Jesus instead of the word love in the description above. Then you know how much Jesus loves you. And you can only be amazed and grateful.
Jesus wants to dwell in us and make us His image. The description of perfect love is not demand of us, we will not make it, but it is a goal that Jesus has with us. And he will himself reach that goal in and through us. He lives in us so that we love as he has loved. Yes, it is possible to get closer to the goal. If He takes more and more space in me and governs more and more, he can act more and more as He pleases. So love will be possible.
I look forward to heaven, because there people will treat each other as Jesus wants it. There are no accusations, no bitterness, no hurts. There I can take my worst enemy in the arm and we look forward together. Yes, in heaven it will be wonderful!!
Thank you, Jesus, for your oversize love! I did not deserve it, but man earns love. You are the God of love and you shall dwell in me. Make me a picture of your love, then our earth will be a little more humane.
Bible Reading Today: 1. Corinthians 16, 1 – 24


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *