“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is
not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked,
thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all
things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
(I Corinthians 13:4-8a, NKJV)
PONDER THIS!
This thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, known by many as the love chapter,
introduces us to some of the many attributes of love. Paul here is not trying to give
us an exhaustive list of all that love is. He merely is trying to make a point. There
are things that one does and does not do because of love. Notice, in these verses
love is always stated as an action. Love either does something or does not do
something against another. Even the “does not” is an action of non-action. Love is
never just words spoken.
1. Too many people only “say” they love. Some will even say it every day, “I
love you.” Yet they fall far short of showing love.
2. Do you really understand that love is not only to be heard, although everyone
likes to be told they are loved, love is to be demonstrated?
3. Would not you rather be shown you are loved than to be merely told you are
loved?
4. I will never forget a dear mother in our church, who has gone on to be with
the Lord, who is famous for here words, “love is what love does.” What are you
doing to show those you say you love you truly love them?
As you go through this day today and the rest of your life, do not settle for just
telling those close to you, you love them. Show them. For LOVE IS AN
ACTION, NOT A WORD!