Tapping Into the Power of Love
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; Galatians 5:22-23
When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Beautiful Hollywood couples claim they’re in love—but their love rarely lasts.
TV commercials promise a car you can fall in love with—at least until next year’s model catches your eye.
And you might be well-known for your affection for a certain frozen treat—whether you love to lock lips with a root-beer Popsicle, a low-fat raspberry yogurt, or a double scoop of death-by-chocolate ice cream.
Those are all everyday ways we use the word “love.” But Christ’s love goes far deeper. Over the past few days you’ve heard what Christ’s love is like—and how you can demonstrate his love in all your relationships. In 1 Corinthians 13 the apostle Paul pulled all of this love-talk together in “the love chapter.”
The love chapter helps us to learn more about Jesus Christ because love is perfectly wrapped up with his character. He is the ultimate example of love, so each of these qualities of love actually is also a trait of Christ’s. Try reading verses 4-7 (NIV), replacing the word “love” with the name of Christ. See what new insight you can gain about Christ’s character:
Christ is patient, Christ is kind. He does not envy, he does not boast, he is not proud. Christ is not rude, he is not self-seeking, he is not easily angered, he keeps no record of wrongs. Christ does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Christ always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Nothing in the world compares to Christ’s love! What’s amazing is that God wants to place the love of Jesus Christ in us. In fact, if you are willing to allow God’s Holy Spirit to flow through you to others, you can receive the power to love as Christ loved.
The Holy Spirit wants to live and love through you. The more you allow him to remake your attitudes and actions, the more his love will become your love. In fact, try reading 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 again. Only this time, put your name where it says “love.” Do this with each member of your family, and spend some time praying that God will fill each of you with his love. His power working in you will make it possible for you to love others like Christ loves!
TALK: Which quality of Jesus’ love do you appreciate the most? Which is the hardest for you to show?
PRAY: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your amazingly awesome love. Help us show your love to others, so they will see you in our life.
ACT: This week find a way to practice the quality of love you want to develop.