The Love Challenge

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. Love never fails. 

– 1Corinthians 13:4-8

If these passages sound familiar, it’s probably because you’ve heard them read at a wedding. It’s a logical choice that many couples make. I chose them myself, over twenty years ago. 

I thought it would be easy to love my husband as the Bible described: always patient and kind, never envious or boastful, proud or selfish, and certainly never easily angered or resentful. I’d always be trusting and hopeful. I pledged to love like that.

I was recently honored with the job of reading at my dear friend Mary’s wedding. Blessed with remarkable wisdom in her 70s, her verses of choice came instead from Colossians chapter 3:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. – Colossians 3:12-16

After the highs and lows of twenty-some years with my spouse, I realize that the love described in 1 Corinthians, my wedding passage, is impossible to put into practice. No matter how hard we try. The love described in Colossians 3, Mary’s passage, is attainable, and we can reach for in our families and close friendships. 

Why is this love possible? Because it reminds us…

• Of our identity to God. We are chosen, holy and dearly loved.
• It is God’s love flowing through us that enables us to love others like He does.
• To “put on” or choose the attitude of love – compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. It’s a daily choice to love others the way God loves us.
• We’re forgiven by God so we’re called forgive others.
• To continue to spur one another on to love even when loving is hard. 
• Giving thanks to God for our loved ones will allow us to walk in love even when the road is unknown or challenging. 

Let God’s lavish love flow through you to your family or friends. 

LOVE CHALLENGE:

Chose one person to love intentionally this week. Write their name on a sticky note, a 3x5 card, or as a reminder on your phone. Plan on ways to show overflowing love to this person, and follow through. You’ll enjoy each step of the way.  

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement