Love Never Ends

One of the most beloved passages in all of scripture is Paul’s statement on love:

“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends (1 Corinthians 13).”

We often read this passage at weddings, and it is beautiful and fitting. It should be noted, however, that Paul was actually writing to address a church. In the Spiritual Formation Bible, scholar Catherine Taylor comments, “Though (Paul) presents an ideal seldom attained by any community, his very words uplift and inspire. The love outlined here is what Paul wants the Corinthians to show toward one another in all their behavior, that they might experience such love themselves. We too experience and are sustained by the love we are able to show others.”

This is so true – whether it is in our own marriage or family relationships, or whether within our family of faith. Today, let us continue to strive to show the kind of love that God shows us – the kind of love that endures forever!

Let us pray: God you are patient; you are kind; you are not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. You do not insist on your own way. You are not irritable or resentful; You do not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoice in the truth. You bear all things, hope all things, endure all things. You never end. Loving God, teach us to love as you love. Amen.