“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.” (1 Cor 13:4-8) (NIVUK)
We all desire love like this. This is love that endures, is selfless, sees the best in us, and is always on our side. It is love that reflects the unfailing, unending love of God.
What a person desires is unfailing love; (Proverbs 19:22) (NIVUK)
Here is some advice from Proverbs to help us ponder the quality of our love for others:
Love is patient:
“the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” (Proverbs 15:18) (NIVUK)
Love is Kind:
“Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul.” (Proverbs 16:24) (NLT)
Love is not proud
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2) (NIVUK)
Love keeps no record of wrong:
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” (Proverbs 10:12) (NIVUK)
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offence, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9) (NIVUK)
Love rejoices with the truth:
“Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.” (Proverbs 9:8) (NIVUK)
Love perseveres:
“Better a dish of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.” (Proverbs 15:17)(NIVUK)
Love never fails:
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them round your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favour and a good name
in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 4:6) (NIVUK)
“A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17) (NIVUK)
Karen Barclay
