The Unattainable Standard of Love
The Bible’s most iconic passage on love, 1 Corinthians 13, sets an unparalleled benchmark for what it means to truly love others. At the heart of this passage lies a profound description of love in verses 4-8: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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.”
A Humbling Exercise
I was once challenged to replace the word “love” with my own name in this passage. The result was a stark reminder of my own shortcomings. I became a liar, unable to live up to the standard set before me. And I’m not alone – no human can meet this lofty ideal. There is only one exception: Jesus Christ.
A Love That Transcends Human Capability
Rather than allowing this scripture to serve as a reminder of our own inadequacies, let us instead focus on the boundless love of God. A love that is patient, kind, and selfless. A love that always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. A love that never fails.
The Power of God’s Love
In the face of such an unattainable standard, we are reminded of the transformative power of God’s love. It is a love that surpasses human capability, a love that can change lives and bring hope to a broken world. As we reflect on the words of 1 Corinthians 13, let us be drawn to the unwavering love of our Creator, a love that invites us to surrender to its life-changing power.
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