Love Never Fails

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. Love never fails. But, where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Devotion:

Often, we see this passage used in marriage ceremonies, but this Scripture was originally written by Paul to shed light on the topic of love—or the lack thereof in the church. One of the major themes in 1 Corinthians is the transforming power of God’s love for us as individuals as well as the church as a whole.

In our world and culture today, love is often the furthest from our minds, but when we speak in love or act out of love, we not only encourage others around us but we also serve and glorify God through shedding the light of love on others. Without love we live our lives with little faith, and you can’t have knowledge or faith without love.

I am a proud aunt to three nieces and two nephews. These five are some of my life’s biggest blessings and greatest joys. The oldest of the pack is nine years old and the youngest is one month. Whether they know it or not, they remind me on the regular what it looks like to show love to those around them, even their siblings.

Even at their young ages, they exemplify what it looks like to walk in faith and trust Jesus. I get to spend time with the three oldest on a fairly regular basis while their parents take a date night. It’s in the moments right before bed that I see just how much God uses them to remind me of his deep love, compassion, mercy and grace he has for me.

My oldest nephew and youngest nephew love to read before bedtime. Sometimes they both choose a devotional book or a kids Bible to read from. Oftentimes, I leave my oldest nephew's room after hearing a mini sermon, which fills me to the brim with joy and gratitude. It’s in those few minutes before tucking them into bed that God becomes more real to them and, in turn, reminds me of the importance of childlike faith and allowing him to lead me through this thing called life. It’s in and through his love for us that we not only are saved, forgiven, redeemed, and deeply cared about, but his love for us runs deeper than we could ever think or imagine.

Love never fails. This is a piece of the Scripture that I pray always stands out to me, and one I can help impress into my nieces and nephews to never forget. Love never fails. No matter how much we may mess up or hurt others around us. No matter what. His love never fails. God’s love is so deep and wide for each of his children that it is impossible to fathom.

If I could give my nieces and nephews the world, I would in a heartbeat. That’s how much I love them. They will probably never understand just how deep my love for each of them goes, but in the times they do see and feel that love, my hope and prayer will always be that they see a glimpse of Jesus through my love and care for each one of them.

God has been actively using my nieces and nephews to show me more of who he is. It’s through their growing faith in Jesus, their questions about God and the thoughts that they have concerning the Bible or why God allowed something to happen that I grow deeper in my own relationship with the Lord. This then allows me to lead with love and shed a little positivity on someone who just needs that little bit of encouragement. We live in such a dark world, filled with people who are lonely, sad, hurting, or feeling hopeless, or maybe all the above. Regardless, we are given each day for a purpose: to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And, the easiest way to be the hands and feet of Jesus is to show love to others, even when it’s hard. When you lead with love you automatically radiate a joy, peace, and confidence that only comes through living a life of faith in Christ.

As we continue reflecting on this Christmas season, let’s be mindful of those around us by shedding a little extra love and care to those we cross paths with. Just like my nephews and nieces continually teach me, we serve a mighty God who has given us the opportunity every day to further his kingdom. That being said, my challenge to you this week is to remember this passage in 1 Corinthians 13, and to choose love over whatever you may be feeling. When you lead with love, you empower others to do the same.

Kristin Grubbs

Kristin Grubbs is Pastoral Care Associate at Crossings Community Church. She is passionate about helping others feel loved, known and valued through a relationship with the Lord.

Next Service Starts In

Devotion:

Resources:

Read More Devotions