1 Corinthians 13:4-7
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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
When we choose to love others unconditionally, and when we receive unconditional love in return, we find that there is power in those feelings and actions. We find hope. We find courage. Things we never knew to expect come from giving to one another without any expectations.
Unconditional love is, loving people in tough times. This includes loving someone when they’re being rude, inconsiderate, and not loving. It also means loving our enemies. Unconditional love takes work.
Matthew 5:43-48
You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that? Even tax collectors love their friends. If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about that? Don’t even unbelievers do that? But you must always act like your Father in heaven.
If we forgive a person for their sin against us, then God himself will forgive us for our sins.
Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.
Written by Tamera Boynton, Walking in Grace by Faith
REJOICE THAT I UNDERSTAND YOU completely and love you with perfect, unending Love. Many people are afraid that anyone who comes to know them fully will look down on them or even reject them. So they strive to keep others at a safe distance, disclosing only the parts of themselves they think are acceptable. This way of interacting with others tends to feel safer, but it leads to loneliness. Be thankful that there is One who sees straight through your defenses and pretenses. There is no hiding from Me! I know absolutely everything about you. So rest in the wonder of being fully known yet delighted! You don’t have to work at trying to earn My Love. The truth is, nothing could ever stop Me from loving you. Because you are Mine bought with My blood you are accepted and treasured forever. You need to tell yourself this truth over and over, till it seeps into your inner being and changes the way you view yourself. Self-acceptance is the path to self- forgetfulness, which is the royal road to Joy! Psalm 107:1, 43 1 Corinthians 13:12 Psalm 149:4-5 Ephesians 1:5-6
Shared by Sarah Young, Jesus Always
