“Love is patient, love is kind. 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. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, 7-8 NIV
It is said that the greatest joy one could possibly attain in this world is the knowledge of God’s love for him, and the ability to pass that love along to others. I believe that is true!
Maybe that’s why Jesus, when asked, said that the greatest commandments were:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matt 22:37-39 NIV
Jesus spent his entire ministry teaching those around him how important it is to experience his love, not only for the time he was with them, but eternally. He gave all of us the road map that leads to pure joy and contentment with his teachings about his love for his Father, and his Father’s love for us.
Before he was arrested on that last night, he prayed this:
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” John 17:13 NIV
He also prayed:
“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
He left them with this final command on that same night:
“These things I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17 NKJV
And I leave you with these words, written by the Apostle Paul:
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV
His love brings us joy.
Barnabas
Special thanks to Barnabas for this guest submission.