Daily Worship

Love Perseveres

John Povey February 17, 2022 0 1
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1 Corinthians 13: 7, Galatians 6: 9 (NIVUK)

(1 Corinthians 13) 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

(Galatians 6) 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

This verse from Paul’s letter to the Galatians is so encouraging, a reminder to us that doing good is not a sprinting event. It is a lifelong marathon. So often the temptation to give up is strong, especially when tough situations come along. But if love is our driving force, we will never give up, for love always perseveres.

When asked how often a person should forgive another, even as many as seven times, Jesus replied “seventy times seven” (see Matthew 18: 21-22). Such is the love of Jesus. Love always perseveres. Love endures all things.

The Greek word translated here as “perseveres” or “endures” is a military word used of an army holding a vital position at all costs against assault. It has the idea of holding up under trial, of perseverance in spite of difficulties. It is not just a passive, stoic attitude. It is a positive, triumphant spirit that sticks it out.

Love never stops loving. It continues in the face of rejection and opposition. It bears up under insult and injury. Love perseveres because it is unconditional. It chooses to love people, even in spite of themselves.

Love is selfless, wholly directed to build up the other person. It takes a lot of hard work to build, one brick at a time. Only God can truly love like that. But His love can grow within us. The love which is of God is a love which perseveres. To love one another like that, we must focus on God’s love for us and respond with love and gratitude. Pray that His love will indeed grow in you and flow out from you, stronger every day.

 

PRAYER:

 

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of love, the love which perseveres, enduring all things.  Help me never to tire of seeking good for others, knowing that seeds of kindness are never lost but will grow from strength to strength until a rich harvest is the result.  Amen.