Love Never Gives Up

“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.”

- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Ok, ok, I know a lot of you may be familiar with this verse, but there truly is something so beautiful and powerful about it. And that's why I chose it for this months reflection.

I think sometimes when we read this passage, we immediately think about if others are loving us in this way, or not loving us in this way. But what if we instead flip that, and take some time to reflect internally on ourselves instead.

• Am I patient with those around me?

• Am I kind to those I encounter?

• Do I compare myself to others?

• Am I humble in the way I present myself?

• Do I get easily angry and hold grudges when someone hurts me?

• Do I follow the way of the world vs the way of the Lord?

• Do I have others best interests at heart?

• Does my love never give up on someone?

Obviously none of us are perfect, and it takes a lot of intentional effort and decision to live this way. But imagine how different our world would be if each of us tried to pick just one of these areas to focus on, and change our attitude toward others.

However before we do that, I do have some caveats to this as well. Before we can take action in this way, you must understand two additional things.

1. You can't truly love others until you love yourself. "Love your neighbor as yourself. "(Matthew 22:39) Notice it doesn’t say instead of yourself. He says as yourself.

   If we constantly criticize, belittle, or look down upon ourselves, it becomes our default toward those around us. The way we view ourselves often shapes the way we treat others.

   And the same is true in our relationship with God.

   "We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19). He created us intentionally, with a purpose and full of beauty. When we reject ourselves, we’re often rejecting the very workmanship of the One who formed us.

   Loving yourself isn’t pride. It isn’t arrogance. It isn’t putting yourself above others.

   It’s recognizing that you are created by God, known by Him, and loved deeply by Him.

   And when you begin to accept that love — truly accept it — it overflows into everything we discussed above.

2. Love doesn't have to be shown in some huge, extravagant ways. Its oftentimes the smallest things that make the biggest difference. Mother Teresa would always say, "Do small things with great love." And that can truly take off the pressure and mindset that you don't have a lot to offer...because you do.

With all that being said, I encourage you this week to really hone in on one area of love you can improve, and choose one person you can improve upon.

Remember that Love isn’t proven on the easy days. It’s revealed on the hard ones.

Kind Regards,

Ashley

“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.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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