![]() 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 wrong. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. I Corinthians 13:4-7.
Week 12 of the Love Series. As we approach the final characteristics of love, it is my hope that you have been progressing in each virtue over these last 12 weeks. We undertake a study on love because it is pivotal to who we are as Christians. We all know that faith is fundamental to our lives, but love is even more so. Consider Galatians 5:6 that states ...faith works by love. Yes, faith is activated by our love.
We meditate on protect this week...peculiar huh. What and who must love protect? Let's first define protect. According to Websters, it is defined as 1. to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc. O.K. If we love someone we are required to protect them.
Who do you love?...your spouse, your child, relative, friend. What about your enemy? The bible commands us to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44). Love protects, not just the physical person, but their emotions and reputations as well. I believe we all need to grow in the last area.
Do you protect the reputations of your loved ones and your enemies? If the answer is no to either, let's resolve to increase our love walk in this area. If you hear someone not speaking well of them refuse to join in the conversation. More pointedly, gently correct the person by defending their character based on at least one redeemable characteristic. If you can't think of a redeemable trait, consider that they have been redeemed by Christ blood. If a holy and righteous God declare them redeemable, who are we to argue with Him.
Lastly, always remember the Golden Rule: Do unto (or speak of) others as you would have them do (speak of) you. Don't be condemned, be encouraged! |
top of page