“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” I Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV
Most Christians are familiar with the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians. This passage goes on to say that love never fails. Prophecies end, tongues fail, knowledge passes away. Life moves on, but love never fails.
To react in love in your dealings with others never fails. People may reject you. They may overlook you, walk all over you (spitefully use you), all of the above, but if your personal reaction to all of those is still love, you’ve won.
It’s not easy. Especially not today. You’ll have ample opportunities to be angry today. You’re fed up and can’t take it anymore. Look in the mirror and tell yourself today will end, but love never will. It’s the power of love – remember that song? (I’m hearing Huey Lewis’s version in Back to the Future.)
Love is powerful. If you need a reminder, read I Corinthians 13 – I’ve given you a link to Bible Gateway above. I can’t read this chapter enough. Each time I read it, I see something new and I grow up a little more. At my age, I didn’t think I needed to grow up anymore.
Just in time for Thanksgiving season! With a heart filled with love, Thanksgiving becomes easier. Notice I didn’t say “easy.” It may not be easy, but you can love others no matter what they do to you. Even when they leave you. Because there’s the ONE who will never leave you, or forsake you. And HE makes it possible for you to love. Because HE freely gave of HIMSELF.
Today, let me encourage you to fill the day with love. I know what day it is. But no matter how many offend you with their words or deeds, let your answer be in love. Your blood pressure will thank you. It’s the power of love!
Betty Thomason Owens 