1 CORINTHIANS 13:7
"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
This scripture and its companion verses are quoted with regularity. I remember reading them and questioning whether anyone could live up to the bar or goal. With God's help it is possible and thus we need to revisit this area and believe that not only is it possible, but that God is expecting us to achieve this kind of Love. We should be able to put our name in place of Love when reading these verses. How are you doing? Are you even trying? Think hard about the places that you have failed. If you still do not love your father or mother or sister or brother or extended family you have gained nothing from the Word of God.
Love is patient and kind are you? Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude, are you? Love does not demand its own way, its not about you! Love is not irritable and it does not keep a record of being wronged, does this describe you? Now lets apply these thoughts to someone that you have failed in this area. If you do not love your father or sister, etc. have you given up trying, LOVE NEVER GIVES UP! Have you lost faith in your country, your elected officials or anyone in authority over you, LOVE NEVER LOSES FAITH. Your love must endure through every circumstance. It will help if you remember that God has a perfect plan for you and He expects you to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
In the end we are expected to emulate our Lord and keep in mind that He has forgiven us a multitude of sins. No matter how badly we have acted and how selfish we have been God has forgiven us. If we confessed our sins, He was faithful to forgive them. If you want God to forgive you, then you must forgive any and all who have sinned against you. Think of that person you still will not forgive and then apply God's love to the situation. If you will not do it, you have nothing and are not a doer of the Word, only a hearer. You do not have to fail, and you will find love. LOVE NEVER FAILS AND LOVE NEVER GIVES UP!
