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We have indicated that in the new birth experience, God poured a measure of His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). To enjoy its benefits, we must put this love to work. Therefore, we need to renew our minds to the truth of the God-kind of love, exercise it, and develop it.
In the first part, we delved into the first six characteristics of the God-kind of love as revealed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5.
In this second part, we want to explore the remaining eight characteristics of this love in 1 Corinthians 13:5-7:
1) The God-kind of love in our hearts doesn’t seek its own. It doesn’t prioritize its own interests, desires, or needs above those of others.
Instead, love is concerned with the well-being and happiness of others, and it seeks to serve and support them unconditionally
2) Love isn’t easily provoked. It doesn’t easily become angry, irritated, or provoked by others’ actions or words. Instead, it remains calm, patient, and understanding even in challenging situations.
3) Love doesn’t keep records of wrongs. It doesn’t hold onto or keep records of wrong things done to it. Instead, it forgives and lets go of past hurts, offenses, and grievances, choosing to move forward with a spirit of reconciliation and grace.
4) Love doesn’t rejoice in iniquity; it rejoices in truth. Love doesn’t take pleasure or delight in wrongdoing, evil, or injustice. Instead, it aligns itself with what is true, righteous, and morally right. Love seeks goodness, righteousness, and justice for all, and it grieves over the presence of sin and wrongdoing.
5) Love bears all things. The love of God bears all things with patience, fortitude, and perseverance, refusing to give up. It remains steadfast and committed even in the face of trials and tribulations.
6) Love believes the best in all. The God-kind of love is trusting and optimistic, choosing to believe the best about others.
7) Love hopes all things. Love maintains a positive outlook, believing in the possibility of good outcomes even in challenging situations. It holds onto hope even when circumstances seem bleak, trusting that better days are ahead.
8) Love endures all things. The God-kind of love remains faithful and committed even in the face of adversity, hardship, and suffering. It doesn’t waver or falter but remains strong and resolute, demonstrating resilience and determination.
As we constantly feed on these characteristics and walk in light of them, we can showcase the Father’s character and nature and express our true selves to the world.
GOD’S servant: Peter Collins Obeng
GRACE COVENANT GLORY
