Love.....or Power?

1 Corinthians 13 is a powerful passage of scripture; very powerful.  These verses are often read at weddings and are heard by many guests whether they are familiar with scripture or not.  It is commonly printed on plaques and artwork found hanging in homes around the world.  We will even see it printed in greeting cards at the local store.  Familiarity may hide the power behind these verses, but the verses hold incredible power.

This chapter begins by sharing how a lack of love diminishes any actions on our part.  If we have not love, we are nothing....pretty straight forward stuff.  Then it gets specific telling us what love does look like.  Love is patient - am I patient?  I think I've got some patience - not my worst struggle anyway.  Love is kind - am I kind?  I try to be kind.  Love does not envy - feeling a slight pinch on this one.  Love does not boast - YIKES!  Fairly certain I was boasting just yesterday.  Love is not proud - seriously?!?  Bummer....failed again.  Love is not easily angered - again, I'm fairly laid back by nature, so not a terrific struggle.  Love does not keep a record of wrongs - well, I'm a woman....we NEVER forget!  Love does not delight in evil - I hate evil.  Love rejoices in the truth - do I embrace God's truth in my life ALWAYS?  Even when it's hard?  Nope....probably not!

My first inclination is to point out the qualities I do have, highlighting how I'm not really so bad.  The truth is, however, God, because He loves me, is most likely working on the qualities I don't have as well as improving on those I think I've conquered. There's always more growth to be done, isn't there?

The power in the scripture results from acting upon the words.  Reading them helps to change our hearts, but acting upon them releases an incredible power on earth and in people's lives.  When we choose to love, we release the power of healing, freedom, joy, and peace.  Test this.  Forgive quickly.  Forget quickly.  Hold your tongue when you catch yourself beginning to boast or envy.  Don't get angry when someone offends you.  Bless them instead.  Release the power of love in your life and in the lives of those you encounter.  It is fun....so much fun, you may want to live this out daily!

(c) 2011 Daphne Keys