As always, Sunday’s sermon left our congregation with food for thought. Our pastor said he wasn’t sure where he found the following reflection on 1 Corinthians 13, but knew it would fit nicely into a sermon one day…and Sunday was that day.
Love is patient. True about me, or not so true?
Love is kind. Is that the way my friends or family would describe me?
Love is not envious. Does green with envy describe my usual complexion?
Love is not arrogant. When I look at other people, am I looking up or looking down?
Love is not rude. Miss Manners or Biker Bar: which describe my vocabulary?
Love does not insist on its own way. Hmmm…
Love is not irritable. Am I touchy-feely, or am I just plain touchy?
Love is not resentful. Am I driving through life with a U-haul full of old baggage?
Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. When I think about my life, what causes me to cheer? The places I’ve stretched the boundaries, or the times I’ve stood for them?
Love bears all things. Is God growing in me a set of broad shoulders, for myself and for others?
Love believes all things. Am I someone who sees God’s possibilities? Do I see them in those around me?
Love hopes all things. Do God’s promises for my future still excite me?
Love endures all things. Even when I can’t see those promises, am I still willing to follow?
Love never ends. Obviously, that’s something that only becomes possible as you and I experience the reality of Christ’s life – of Christ himself living in us.
I, for one, find this truly worth the reflection.