Perfect Love

Excerpt from Soul Cries devotional, copyright 2012 Regan

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (New International Version)

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.

It is important for me to meditate on who God is. If I let my circumstances or feelings dictate what I believe, I may meditate on what I lack, evil, or “what ifs.” Let me meditate instead on that which is true and unfailing, the very character of the unchanging God. This passage from 1 Corinthians is often read at weddings and outlines the characteristics of love. We know that perfect love is found in God.

God is patient in all circumstances and with all people. He does not envy or boast; He is not prideful. He never dishonors you and is not self-seeking. He is slow to anger. He keeps no record of the wrongs you do. God does not delight in evil; He rejoices in the truth! God always protects. God always trusts. God always hopes. God always perseveres. God never fails you!

1. What part of God’s character strikes you the most in this passage?

2. Do you have a harder time believing God’s character toward you or toward other people? Can you claim these promises for you, for your children, and for your household?