And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
Did you grow up without someone telling you that you are amazing—just as you are?
God loves each of us unconditionally, with no strings attached. And when we experience his love, we are empowered to love like he does.
First Corinthians 13 teaches us how to love others the way God loves us. It says:
- Love endures. Love has to endure because all of us are imperfect. People will do things you don’t like, but you can love them anyhow as you confront the behaviour that hurts you.
- Love is patient. Even healthy relationships require repeated forgiveness and understanding.
- Love is kind. When you love someone, you do your best to protect their feelings.
- Love keeps no record of wrongs. When you are wronged by someone you care about, learn to get your focus off the offence and onto the things you love about the person.
- Love bears up under anything. There are times in life when you will have to stand strong. Love sticks with it even when things aren’t going well.
- Love is always ready to believe the best of every person. In doing so, you empower them to rise to the level of what God says about them.
- Love never fades, becomes obsolete or comes to an end—ever. Love that accepts imperfection remains hopeful regardless of the circumstances.
As a believer, you are empowered to love, laugh and enjoy people, despite their imperfections. Keep reminding yourself of how much God loves you just as you are, and develop a kind of love for others that runs deep—an unconditional, endless, God kind of love.