God’s standards of love are high. The story of the Good Samaritan, for example, is powerful because it calls us to a love that reaches beyond our prejudices and personal interests. When Jesus tells us to “love our enemies” he’s letting us know that love isn’t always fluffy and feel-good, but sometimes painful and sacrificial; and he puts this into practice when he goes to the cross on our behalf: “greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”. Indeed, love can never just be a feeling and always needs to be expressed in actions – relationships fail when this truth isn’t grasped. Although 1 Corinthians 13 is a passage that is often read out at weddings, it’s a ‘love to-do list’ appropriate not just for couples, but for families and friendships, and society as a whole. In it we not only see a glimpse of the character of God, but also something that we can aspire to and work towards.
Love is patient – sticking with it for the long term.
love is kind – making the interests of others a priority.
It does not envy – happy for others, not jealous of them.
it does not boast – not emphasising personal success.
it is not proud – not having a sense of superiority
It is not rude – not putting people down.
it is not self-seeking – not lifting yourself up.
it is not easily angered – slow to anger.
it keeps no record of wrongs – quick to forgive.
Love does not delight in evil – standing against what’s wrong.
but rejoices with the truth – standing up for what is right.
It always protects – looking out for the weak and vulnerable.
always trusts – keeps believing in God and others.
always hopes – remaining optimistic for the future.
always perseveres – gets back up, again and again.
Love never fails – never underestimate what love can achieve.
