“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:22-23 NIV
What does Jesus identify as the result of our complete unity? Our love for one another will lead the world to realize that God loves them and sent his son into the world.
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
That’s an impressive list of spiritual accomplishments -speaking in the tongues of men or angels, possessing the gift of prophecy, faith that can move mountains… but God says, even with all that, if we lack love we are nothing.
So how does the Bible define love? What does it look like on a practical level?
Love is patient, love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4a
Could it be that our patience and kindness toward one another are to be so outstanding that people recognize God’s love in us? If so, that must effect the way I react when someone says or does something that bothers me.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:4b-6
If I’m easily angered, easily offended, I’m not presenting the level of patience God talks about in these passages. Jesus wants us to offer grace to one another and to give others the benfit of doubt, overlooking offenses for His sake and His purposes,
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:7-8a
Faith in action requires that we love as the Bible defines love, displaying patience and overlooking the mistakes of others. And when we do, we have the privilege of putting Gods love on display for the world to see and desire.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV