Freedom Calls

As children of the Most High God, we are called to embody the essence of love in our daily lives. In 1 Corinthians 13:4, the apostle Paul pens a powerful and poignant description of love that serves as a guiding light for our relationships and interactions with others.

Love is Patient

In a world where instant gratification and quick fixes are the norm, patience is a virtue that often gets overlooked. Yet, love requires us to slow down, to wait, and to endure.

Patient love understands that growth, healing, and transformation take time. It refuses to rush the process, instead choosing to walk alongside others in their journey, offering comfort, support, and encouragement every step of the way.

Love is Kind

Kindness is more than just a warm and fuzzy feeling; it’s a deliberate choice to treat others with compassion, empathy, and understanding.

Love that is kind looks beyond the surface and seeks to bless, to uplift, and to edify. It remembers that we are all broken, struggling, and in need of a gentle touch.

It Does Not Envy

Envy is a silent destroyer, eating away at our hearts and souls as we compare our lives to others. Love that does not envy recognizes that everyone’s journey is unique, and that our own path is not defined by someone else’s success or achievements. It celebrates the victories of others and rejoices in their blessings.

It Does Not Boast

Boasting is the antithesis of humility.

Love that does not boast understands that our accomplishments are not solely our own doing, but are the result of God’s grace and provision in our lives.

It gives credit where credit is due and deflects attention away from itself, choosing instead to lift up others and honor the One who makes all things possible.

It is Not Proud

Pride is a deadly poison that seeps into our hearts and minds, convincing us that we are above others, better than others, and more deserving than others.

Love that is not proud recognizes its own limitations, acknowledges its own weaknesses, and submits to the will of God.

It humbly acknowledges that we are all on the same playing field, and that our value and worth come not from our accomplishments, but from our identity as beloved children of God.

As we reflect on these verses, let us ask ourselves:

• Am I patient with others, or do I expect instant results?
• Am I kind to those around me, or do I harbor resentment and bitterness?
• Do I envy the success of others, or do I celebrate their victories?
• Do I boast about my accomplishments, or do I give credit to God?
• Am I proud and arrogant, or do I walk in humility and submission to God’s will?

May the love of God, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4, be our guide, our comfort, and our strength as we navigate the complexities of life and relationships.

May we embody the unwavering virtues of love, and may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of God’s love.