Apostle Paul had given us what true love looks like. Each of us have a vague picture of love, mainly from the romantic novels we've read or the movies we've watched on the screen. But true love weighs much heavier than what is cheaply portrayed on Hollywood movies and novels.
Let's read Paul's version of love and check it out whether our understanding of love come anywhere closer to it. According to Paul,
"Love is patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do you wrong. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Such a definition sounds beautiful and gives a deeper meaning. But, at the same time, it makes us guilty too for falling short of displaying such love, especially towards those whom we encounter on a daily basis- spouse, children, parents, siblings, coworkers, neighbors. It is within the four walls of our house, such love is challenged and put to test more often.
Love expressed in words and gifts do look good and make some impact to brighten the mood and solidify relationships. But buried hurts and deep wounds wouldn't be erased by bouquet of roses or glittering diamonds.
Being kind and patient doesn't cost us dollars, yet we choose to do the opposite.We find it difficult to put Paul's version of love into practice because "I", "Me, " and "Mine" intervene and overtake our thoughts and action most of the times. But prayer and meditation on this chapter on love could make us to practice love instead of talking about it or longing to express such love.
What a happy and wholesome family and community we could establish on earth if we could live by this scripture! Lately I have started meditating on it so that I could put it into practice easily. Would you like to join me for support?
Hi Sulo:
ReplyDeleteGood to have someone redefine real love and not the cheap imitations that abound in our culture.
Thanks.
Thanks for your comment. Watched your video clip on You-tube and planning to buy your book.
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