Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- February 22, 2014
Love always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:7
Love always perseveres. It does not give up. This is why the love commitment of husbands and wives is “till death do us part.” This is the assurance that accompanies love, for it is loyal in the face of hard times. “I don’t love you anymore” is not an option for couples committed to Christ. Love always perseveres. It perseveres through problems; it perseveres through misunderstandings; it perseveres though uncertainty; it perseveres through knock down, drag out arguments; it perseveres through persecution, divorce, and abandonment; it perseveres through a lawsuit or being fired.
Love becomes better instead of bitter when experiencing a raw deal. God’s grace and love provide you the lasting ability for extraordinary love. Indeed, if your heavenly Father didn’t personally love you, your love would be lethargic. It would be sluggish in its application to others if you were not daily loved by the Lord. You can’t be an unconditional lover if you don’t receive the unconditional love of Jesus. Therefore, love always perseveres in the process of being loved and extending love.
This is why a parent perseveres in his or her love for their child. They can only give up on loving their loved one when their heavenly Father gives up on loving them. Parents persevere with their children because they love their children. Even through the hurt, rejection, selfishness, financial irresponsibility, and anger, love still stands. Love will not stand down to the devil’s strongholds in a young person’s mind and heart.
Moreover, love perseveres in reminding them of the truth. Remind your children that their identity is in Christ . Your child is forgiven by you and by God; remind them of this. God has uniquely gifted your child; remind them of this. Love perseveres in reminding and revealing truth to those it loves. Pray the eyes of your child’s heart will see and understand the truth of who they are from God’s perspective. They are longing for love, so be the lead lover in their life.
Lastly, persevere in your love for your parents. Parents can be distant and disinterested, but still love them. To some degree, they may still be licking the wounds of past hurts and disappointments. They need love as much as or more than anyone else. Love your mom and dad while they are still alive. One day they will not be around to love, so express all your love for your parents in this life. You plan for no regrets when you aggressively love them now.
They may have chronically hurt you, but still love them. They may not love back, but still love them. They may be caught up in their own cares, but still love them. Love knows better, so it perseveres beyond bitterness and betrayal. You lose when the flames of love are extinguished by sheer exhaustion. You may need to rest in, receive, and be rejuvenated by the loving relationship of your friend, Jesus. Slow down and be loved. Persevere in your love, and one day you will be grateful you did. It is an invaluable investment because love leaves no regrets. It always perseveres.
Taken from the February 22nd reading in Boyd’s 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God vol. 1” … http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a
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I just want to say thank you! This devotional was exactly what I needed. As a parent, of a wayward child, I hurt and am exhausted. So much of this hit home and I am printing it off and putting it in my Bible. So much of it is encouraging, but I love this part. “Love will not stand down to the devil’s strongholds in a young person’s mind and heart.” I have been reminded to rest in God’s love so that I can keep loving the way He wants me too, even when I am emotionally drained! God bless!
That’s very true
Thank you Michele! We always enjoy hearing from our fellow wisdom hunters when one of the Wisdom Hunters devotionals “speaks to them”.
Have a blessed day!
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
Dear Becky~ Thank you so much for contacting us regarding the devotional,”Love Always Perserveres”. We always appreciate hearing from our fellow wisdom hunters when God touches them through a devotional.
Becky, what a blessing you are as a mother to your “wayward child” (your words). Your willingness to preservere in loving and parenting your child is honoring God! Thank you for being the role model we all need to have as parents!
Blessings to you and yours in the days ahead.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne