Lighthouse Devotional
Author: Vaneisha Cadogan
SCRIPTURE VERSE
“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”. (1 Cor 13:4-5 NIV)
PERSONAL REFLECTION
It is easy for us to make the assertion that we love someone. But do we stop to think about what we are really saying when we claim that we love? What we might really be expressing is a warm feeling we get when we think of a person – it is about us and how we feel. To what extent does that kind of love focus on the feelings of the object of our affection?
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Paul’s definition of love is a description of God and His character (Ex 34:6; 1 John 4:8b). This kind of love is not an emotion, a feeling; it is a decision, an act of will. It is not a response that is dependent on circumstances – it cannot be conditional if we are reflecting God’s love (Rom 5:8). Paul describes a love that is selfless. He focuses our attention on our behaviour toward others and outlines how love regulates our conduct toward others. Our innate nature does not predispose us to showing such love (Jer 17:9), but we are challenged to ignore our natural instincts, and instead, consider the feelings of others, including our enemies, over and above our own at times. We do have a responsibility to take care of ourselves – self-love is not ruled out. But self-love is to be used as the benchmark for loving others. (Lev 19:18; Matt 22:39). Paul stressed the importance of love, making it clear that we are nothing, even with the spiritual gifts and faith we possess, if we do not have love (1 Cor 13:1-3). Love must be at the core of our Christian walk.
EXHORTATION
Love for others is a direct command from God (John 13:34), and must be reflected both by our deeds (Ex 23:4-5; Prov 25:21) and our attitudes (Prov 24:17). Christ is the perfect model of love in its truest form. Let us endeavor, through the power of the Holy Spirit and His work in us, to love like Jesus loved. Our understanding of God’s love for us, undeserving people with our sins and weaknesses, should humble us, lead us to look past the imperfections of others, and see them and love them as God does.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for your selfless demonstration of love to us. Help us to reflect on how Jesus put love into action and seek to follow His example in the way we love others. In our daily interactions, teach us to consider how our words and actions might impact others. May your divine love dwell in our hearts, that our behavior toward others would reflect your beauty and grace. Amen