A close reading of the “love
chapter” in 1 Corinthians 13 reveals to us our own personal inadequacy. And
that’s a good thing, even if it makes us squirm a bit. Whenever or wherever we
become aware of our own shortcomings we are receiving an invitation to let the
grace and mercy of God enter into our lives in a new way. For this reason, it’s
good to use the passage as an examination of conscience.
Love is patient. Love is kind. It is not
jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not
seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over
injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
The passage can also be a guide
for right conduct, especially at times when we are tempted to act in a way that
is not loving, and also during times of tension, stress or conflict. Look to
the passage. Pray, “Lord God, You are Love. Lord Jesus Christ, You are Love
incarnate.” Lord, I am not always a vessel filled with love. I fall short. I
forget what You have taught me. I have a tendency to be not-Love in my
thoughts, words and actions. Help me, Lord. Have mercy on me. Help me to live
Your word in all aspects of my life. Lord, You are Love; I am not. Please grant
me your grace, that I may grow towards what is lacking in me. Lord, help me to
love. Amen.”
In His great love and mercy, the
Lord uses many means to shed light upon areas of our lives that need
forgiveness, healing, and guidance. One of these means is the Scriptures. Seek
out the passages that challenge you; don’t run from them or put them aside. Let
them convict you, and then let them show you a new way of being. But most
especially, in all times and at all instances, know that God’s patience is
greater than what we can imagine. Love is patient. May that love be with you
now and always.
