On-line bible study week 5 (Feb 11 – Feb 18) Read 1 Corinthians 13

This Wednesday is Valentine’s Day. If you get on social media Wednesday you will inevitably see posts of roses, candy, cards and what the world likes to tell us “love” looks like. Now don’t get me wrong; I’ll gladly be a willing participant in the receipt of flowers, chocolate and cash donations (haha) but those are just “tokens” or “symbols” of love. To find out the true meaning of love? We have to turn to the bible. To what is likely my favorite chapter in the bible – 1 Corinthians 13!!

My married friends? No matter what token of love you give your spouse (card, candy, flowers, jewelry) ensure you are also giving them “true love” along with it. Not only Wednesday, but every day of the year.

This is where I stop and give some “tough love” to my single friends. If seeing all the posts on social media are going to upset you and make you feel lonely, depressed and like you are not loved?? Then stay off social media on Wednesday. It truly is that simple! Sometimes we forget that we have the power of the “off” button! Instead of feeling sorry for yourself Wednesday? Do something you enjoy! Pamper yourself! If you are a female – watch one of your favorite movies, read a good book, go out with your girlfriends and have a cup of coffee and laugh until your belly hurts! If you are a man? Go to the range, go golf, go do something you enjoy. And while you are out doing these things? Show someone TRUE LOVE! You don’t have to have a valentine to show someone love on Valentine’s Day. Don’t believe me? Then re-read 1 Corinthians Chapter 13…

My favorite verses that I’ve had memorized for a while now are verses 4-7: Love is patient and kind. (Do a random act of kindness of Valentine’s Day.) Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. (Be happy for your friends who have found true love and know that God has someone they are preparing for you in just the right time, for just the right season.) It does not demand its own way. (We should always compromise in love not begrudgingly) It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. (Want to give yourself the best Valentine’s Day gift ever? FORGIVENESS. If you are holding an offense against someone? Make Wednesday the day you lay it at the foot of the cross. Forgive and watch love enter your heart and flood you with joy). 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. (Sometimes? You have to love people through the hard times. It means showing them love and forgiveness even when they have hurt your feelings. It means speaking encouraging words of hope even when inside you’re wondering if they will really stick to it this time and stay sober? It’s giving it all to God and just walking in love.)

You’ve already been touched by the greatest act of love there ever was… “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” – 1 John 3:16

I love you all! Thanks for taking this journey through the bible with me! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love,
Kris