Strong spirits: everyone talks about love

Everyone talks about love.  Everyone wants it.  Most of us try to show it, at least some of the time.  But what is the nature of the love that God offers us?  What is the nature of the love he wants us to live out?

"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."  Paul the apostle (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8)

I don't know about you, but when I measure my love against Paul's list, I fall far short.  I can barely love the ones I really love, to say nothing of those I don't know or dislike.

So who can possibly love like this?

Only the one who is love.  If he is in us, his love is in us, and he gives us the capacity to love like he loves, no matter who, no matter what.

Is his love - is he - in you?

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.

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