True Love: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

   After several months of holidays (Thanksgiving in November, Christmas in December, New Year’s Day in January), we’ve arrived at February, the month of Valentine’s Day.  A day, if we are honest about it, to give a financial boost to the companies selling greeting cards, flower bouquets, heart-shaped boxes of candy, and fancy dinners.  Romantically, Valentine’s Day is a day for sweethearts to express their love through gifts.  I am not the Valentine’s Day version of Scrooge, but I do want to remind you that true love is more than handing someone a helium-filled “Be Mine” balloon. 

   We are blessed in that we have real love described for us in the Scriptures.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a tells us that “charity”…

• ...suffers long.  It is forbearing. It abides the failures, weakness, and transgressions of others. 

• ...is kind.  It is benevolent and useful.

• ...envies not.  It is not jealous of others, but is happy with them in their accomplishments.

• ...vaunts not itself.  Instead of being boastful and arrogant, it is meek and gentle. 

• ...is not puffed up.  Instead of being haughty or prideful, it is humble. 

• ...Does not behave itself unseemly.  It is not unbecoming, unflattering, inappropriate ...

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