Daily Devotions and Bible Readings
Exhibit Love’s Permanence
1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Memory Verse: But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
I am fascinated by those who run marathons. When it comes to going 26 miles in one setting, I am partial to vehicles with motors. Even though I have no desire to run for that long a distance, I admire the determination of those who exercise such discipline reminding us of the capacity of the human mind and body to endure. As a matter of fact, humans have the ability to endure great periods of suffering as well as great periods of enjoyment. Even with these capacities noted, they pale in comparison to the command God has given us when it comes to enduring love. The Bible describes true Christian love as something that endures the test of time and has no end. Be sure you read our focal passage for today.
Can you think about some things that have no end? Usually we think of things that are round like a beach ball or in a circle like a rubber band. We use a wedding ring to symbolize the intensions of marriage to have no end. Jesus is the supreme example of love and we are told His love endures forever. Love that endures forever cannot be lost due to circumstance. Jesus also commanded us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Since God’s character is enduring love, these qualities can be translated to believers who strive to walk with Him every day.
As you look at the last verse of today’s reading, you will find three commitments that never end, or, remain as may translation says. They are faith, hope, and love. I believe it is because of faith and hope that we can have the capacity for enduring love. Faith in a God whose love is enduring reminds us of the depth and width of His love even when we are undeserving. Hope reminds us that there is hope for every person. Hope to be changed. Hope to be loved. Because of the hope we have in Christ, we can gain love for others. But don’t miss the identification of the highest, it is love. We Christians often seek a greater faith and work to maintain our hope. But the Bible says love is the greatest. Perhaps if we set our sights on love, faith and hope would tag right along for the journey.
Our teenagers will be in their third day of camp today. Again pray for Brother Gary as he teaches the Bible study and for LUMINATE, the worship band and Chase Bowers, the preacher. It will likely be hot this week so please pray for their safety. I long to see our teenagers grow in a sold out relationship to Jesus Christ. Would you pray that our youth will hear from the Lord this week?
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
