The following is from a handout called "Love Is…" that I give to the students in our Bible training center. It is based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, and it is a vivid description of what a genuine love is. Read it, meditate on it, and get it in your spirit. Then apply it to your life, especially in the home.
Love endures long, (lasts, keeps on going) and is patient, (willingness to put up with waiting, or anything that annoys; calm endurance without complaining or losing self-control), and kind, (doing good rather than harm, gentle, considerate attitude toward others).Study Reference: 1 Cor. 13:4-8 (AMP)
Love never is envious, (being or showing dislike of what someone has because of a wish for what the person the person has). Never boils over with jealousy (a dislike or fear of supposed rivals, envy, a feeling of being threatened concerning something that is yours).
Love does not act unbecomingly, (not fitting, suitable or appropriate). Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking. It is not touch (irritable, quick tempered), fretful (worry, discontent, peevish, unhappy, agitated), or resentful (to feel injured, angry, insulted); it does not keep a record of the evil done to it, pays no attention to a suffered wrong.
It does not rejoice at injustice (an unjust act or circumstance or wrong), and unrighteousness (sinful conduct); but rejoices when right (anything in line with God's Word) and truth (anything agreeing with spiritual law set up by god) prevail (to exist, be general standard).
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person. Its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening. Love never fails, never fades out, or becomes obsolete, or comes to an end. Love respects authority.
Love is not boastful (speaks highly of oneself, of what one owns or knows; to brag) or vainglorious (excessively proud or boastful, egotistical), does not display itself haughtily (feeling cold indifference and scorn). It is not conceited (too much pride in oneself or in one's ability to do things), arrogant (proud and showing an attitude of highmindness to others) or inflated with pride (high opinion of one's own worth or possessions). Love is not rude (unmannerly, not courteous, impolite, a negative way of acting).
God is love. And God's love is in you.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Pastor Deborah L. Butler is the first lady of Word of Faith International Christian Centre located in Southfield, Michigan where she serves in ministry with her husband, Bishop Keith A. Butler.
Pastor Deborah is a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel. Her encouraging, yet down-to-earth teaching imparts wisdom from the Word of God to all that hear her speak. One of Pastor Butler's many duties is serving as the Director of the Women of Virtue Ministry. Pastor Deborah is often called to travel to other ministries to teach and admonish women to walk in the wisdom of God and to experience peace in every area of their lives.
