LOVE NEVER FAILS. But where there are prophesies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10
In my life so far, I have experienced good and bad luck, happy and sad times, jealousy and contentment, and so an and so on. However the above verse in particular catches my eye in its challenge. I see this as a call to action: refocus on what is eternal rather than tripping constantly over temporal issues. Further encouragement to live a life focused on love can be found throughout Philippians, but I will cite my great-grandfather's favorite verse since I am biased to it ;) :
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Knowing from personal experience that joy originates from a confidence in eternal love, I am challenged to focus on this even when I am distracted by negativity. Recent situations with people have put this concept to the test and I have, for the first time in my life, been able to turn over control of my emotions to the Holy Spirit. This sounds vague I am sure, but for example: when betrayed and slandered in a group of friends, I would have felt attacked and defended myself naturally, however, in this new attitude I recognize that I do not deserve respect, nor do these people attack the Lord in their misrepresentation of me, so I am not really angry. As a servant of the Lord, I seek to serve his people (both followers and non-believers) in this world. If I act just like the world and respond in self-defense and anger over small matters, I show fear of men. On the other hand, seeing my one and only goal as salvation of everyone through the knowledge of my savior, I want to show only love, or what is eternal even in situations in which the world begs me to conform. (see Philippians 2:3-4)
This is so much easier said than done, and of course the simplicity of love is muddled by the issues of enabling vs. doing what is truly best for someone. BUT, I firmly believe that if I make every effort to keep the peace as far as it depends on me (Romans 12:18)God will take care of the details. I am in the process of learning to let the Holy Spirit love people through me and despite me. In the past, I was very fearful of people, their opinions, their power, their capability to hurt me etc...I now realize how freeing it is to know that people will fail (just like I do) and I can let them! I trust that God will use them anyway, and that their sins against me have already been paid for just as mine have. Unfortunately, this does not take the sting out of being backstabbed, misunderstood, or hated, but it gives confidence and comfort in the knowledge of a greater surpassing love. Eternal life and eternal love are inseparable, and living with a focus on love in this world is what makes it more bearable.
I am still working it all out in practice...but at least this is the goal:
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) 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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
As always I am a work in progress (Philippians 3:12) pressing on toward the goal. Forgetting about what is behind and straining toward what is ahead...If I focus on the ridiculous amount of grace I have received in Christ, all struggle is gain, and love is simply a byproduct. I will tire and falter most definitely in the future, but I am so grateful to know love and its transforming power.
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