Bible Chapter: I Corinthians 13

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    A short chapter, a favorite chapter of many because of the topic: LOVE.  In the middle of a discussion regarding spiritual gifts we get the teaching that love is an integral ingredient in the application of the gifts.  This definition of love puts the emphasis on how to apply love.  Love is outward, not selfish.  To minister in the gifts in love (and about anything else we do in life as well) is the best way.  We often think of love as simply an emotional reaction to a person.  Love is more an action, a decision on an individual’s part on how they will act or respond in a situation.
    Love is patient, kind, keeps no record or wrongs and does not delight in evil.  Love is not selfish.  Actually, selfishness is the opposite of love because love focuses outwardly and selfishness focus on the three most important people in the world.  That would be me, myself and I.  Well, I guess that is not love.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The typical human response to love is to focus our love and attention on those easiest to love.  Those who are not socially popular, unattractive, needy and emotionally awkward are easy to reject.  But, they probably need someone to love them more than most.  An influence of selfishness impacts the love many express, which is in itself a contradiction.  People are drawn to love those who give the most return to personal fulfillment.  Again, love is not simply an emotional response.  I must make the conscientious effort to love without regard to my personal expectation of response or reward.  This is not easy.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Let Christlike love infiltrate every aspect of my life.  How would Jesus look at the person?  That must influence my daily life.