The Best Way Of Life

Let me show you a way of life that is best of all. . . . Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

1 Corinthians 12:31; 13:4-7

I love this love passage, but not because it makes me feel like a loving person! In fact, it reminds me of where I fall short in my relationships with people I really love. That’s especially true when I am struggling to forgive someone I feel has wronged me in some way. I have to work hard to keep myself from holding a grudge or fighting back.

I believe most of us have grown up thinking that the concept of love is pretty simple and straightforward. You meet someone, fall in love, and live happily ever after. First Corinthians 13 explains the many components of love, all characteristics of God, who loved us so much that “he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Love isn’t as simple as it seems. It isn’t as mushy as I always dreamed it would be. There’s a lot of work involved—but it’s His best work.

God is the only One who demonstrates love perfectly. He keeps no record of wrongs. He is always patient with us and kind to us. God is always loving toward us, which means He never gives up on us, never loses faith in us, is always hopeful. He endures through every circumstance with us, and there have probably been some tough ones. God is love! Reading 1 Corinthians 13 sheds light on how much God has loved and forgiven us, and quickens our hearts to forgive others. Love is the best way because it’s His way!

Next time you are struggling to forgive someone, read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and ask God to give you the words you need to say.