Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
How do you measure up against God’s standards for love?
When was the last time you lost your patience? this morning? last night? 2 days ago?
When was the last time you said an unkind word? made an unkind action? had an unkind thought? purposely withheld kindness?
When was the last time you wanted what someone else has? their money? their looks? their health? their spouse? their children? their parents? their home? their faith? their knowledge? their personality? their lifestyle?
When was the last time you were boastful? you brought attention to yourself? you brought attention to your family? you bragged about what you have accomplished? you exaggerated about what you’ve done?
When was the last time you got angry? lost your temper? screamed at your kids? screamed at your spouse? got angry with a check out clerk or serviceman? What causes you to “blow up?” How do you handle your anger?
When was the last time you held a grudge? kept track of how someone has treated you? Do you refuse to apologize until the guilty party confesses their wrong? When you forgive others, do you truly attempt to not hold the wrong against them? Do you comfort them after forgiveness?
How do you measure up against God’s standards for love?
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 13:7
Love is not Rude or Self-Seeking
How do you measure up against God’s standards for love? When was the last time you made a rude comment? asked a rude question? told a rude joke? thought a rude thought?
When was the last time you thought of your own interests before the interests of others? When was the last time you fought until you got you own way? How do you put your desires ahead of others?
How do you measure up against God’s standards for love?