The Power of Love

READ 1 Corinthians 13:4

Believers are channels for God’s love. His love flowing through us is a powerful force that enables us to do more than the unbeliever who relies only upon himself:

“Love is patient.” With God’s Spirit living within us,we are empowered to wait upon His timing and purpose. When we care about someone, we naturally want to act quickly on his or her behalf. But as the Lord is working out His perfect plan,we must wait until He tells us to proceed.

“Love is kind.” As believers, we have the capacity to be genuinely kind, regardless of how others may treat us. Unlike vengeance, which feeds our own desires, kindness responds to the other person’s need for love and affirmation.

“Love is not jealous.” Jealousy is a fear of losing someone—or losing loyalty from that person. Being a channel for God’s love gives us the security to hold relationships more loosely. When we are confident of our Lord’s care and sovereignty, we do not need to cling so fiercely to our friends and family that we smother them.

“Love does not brag and is not arrogant.” Apart from the fullness of God’s love, people are empty and prone to be self-absorbed, craving attention for themselves. But as believers, we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, who enables us to understand our value in God’s eyes.As a result,we can be humble before men.

God’s love is powerful. When we allow His caring Spirit to flow through us, we can have a profound effect upon our world.