As we mature we worry less about whether we are loved and more about how well we love other people. It is easy to say that we love people. It is when we consider specific people and specific behaviors that we have real opportunities to grow. The thirteenth chapter of the First Letter to the Corinthians helps us to think about some of those specific people and behaviors.
It says that love is patient. That means being patient with people. People can take a while to fix their problems, to get their life together, to grow up. Love means being patient with people.
It says that love means no envy and no boasting. We don’t have to have the undivided attention of others. It’s okay if the other guy succeeds. It’s okay if we don’t always get the credit. Love means no envy and no boasting.
It says that love is not easily angered. That is a timely word for us. These days everyone is walking around looking to be offended. We are like nervous little dogs barking at everybody who walks past the house. Love is not easily angered.
It says that love keeps no record of wrongs. We know we are told to forgive, but it is hard for us to give up all thought of getting even, and easy for us to recall past wrongs when a conflict rekindles. Love keeps no record of wrongs.
It says that love bears all things. Love requires time. Love has to pass the test of time. Love means showing up even when you don’t want to and behaving like you love even when you are not feeling it. Love bears all things.
As we mature we worry less about whether we are loved and more about how well we love other people. We don’t need to worry about whether we are loved because we know we are loved by a God who is patient with us, who is subtle, who is not angry with us, who does not keep a record of our wrongs, and whose love never fails.
In our sermon this Sunday we will talk about love.