Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:12-21
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians 12:12-21 to the people of Corinth. In verse 15 Paul told the Corinthian people that he love them so much that he would “very gladly spend…everything I
have and expend myself as well” for their good. Paul’s words show how deeply he loved the Corinthian people. Look closely at his words. You will see a beautiful description true, unconditional love.
* Love patiently endures the faults and criticisms of the other person.
* Love doesn’t make the other person feel weighed down by demanding attention or provision.
* Love yearns for the other person’s companionship, not his or her possessions.
* Love is selfless. Love is willing to give everything it has, including its own life, for the other person.
* Love looks after the other person’s needs, not out of duty, but out of desire, putting the loved one’s needs before its own.
* Love never says or does anything that could possibly hurt the loved one in any way.
* Love always shows genuine concern for and acts to build up the loved one’s mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Love takes it as a personal failure when the loved one is lacking in any of those areas.
* Love hurts when the loved one is hurting.
Give God the glory for such a wonderful description of true love! I pray that we will all use this “How to Love Someone” instruction manual to guide us as we learn to love people as Jesus loves them.
“But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him.” 1 John 2:5
Prayer: Heavenly Father help me to love people as Jesus loves them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.