Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. With this verse, the way we are expected to act is laid out in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5. God wants us to walk in the path of love, and to treat everyone in the same respect as he does, but this is not always easy. Though we are to exude love, the world sometimes does not. I can be impatient, cruel, and full of malice. It is easy to see the hatefulness of the world and become upset. God knew this when He spoke His word to people, and in addition to giving us the definition of love, He also gave us hope for when love seems to be running thin. We do not need to put out faith in the world, but in the Lord, and with these, I find it easier to do.
1. Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble."
2. John 16:22
"So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."
3. Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
4. Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
5. Psalm 37:4
"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
6. Proverbs 15:13
"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but a heartache crushes the spirit."
7. Proverbs 17:22
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
8. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
9. Nehemiah 8:10
“…Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
10. James 5:13
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”
11. 1 Corinthians 13:13
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always preserves. This is what God's love does. Even in times when your heart is not cheerful, God is with you. His will is for us to be happy and to live a life full of goodness. Though there are many times the world will disappoint you and leave you alone, God will never. Instead of conforming to the world and becoming hard, these should guide you in your pursuit to stay soft and pure. These also show us the importance of being joyful and giving all the glory to God. I hope you all have an amazing, blessed day.
