#AdaWisdomChallenge
READ Proverbs 13 (listen). WRITE out one verse and SHARE with someone.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8a
Read: 1 Corinthians 13
Listen: 1 Corinthians 13
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Apostle Paul spent 18 months nurturing the new Jesus-followers at Corinth. The young church fell into deep divisions and conflict after Paul left. When Paul heard of their strife, he responded with a strong letter (1 Corinthians) urging them to return to the ways of Christ. Paul provides practical guidance in 1 Corinthians 13 for the way Jesus followers should love each other.
We often think love is a feeling, and then allow our feelings to dictate our actions. We don’t need to deny our feelings, but they should not direct our actions. Paul urges us that true love is a series of strong actions including being patient and kind, not envying or boasting, not being proud or dishonoring others, not self-seeking or easily angered, not keeping record of wrong, rejoicing in the truth, protecting, trusting, hoping and persevering (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Love like this can only be lived out through God’s power. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion reminds us of the love Jesus has shown to us.
As we let God’s love in—he enables us to live out his love. Our actions towards others shift, especially with those whom we struggle to love. It comes down to the condition of our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us we should guard our hearts because everything we do flows from it. Our actions toward others reveal the state of our hearts.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Re-watch a sermon or two of The Culture of the Cross series and download a printable from when we studied the Habits of Love. Then, ask yourself the question, “How’s my heart?” Ask God to help you make the changes necessary to live out His love this week in all of your relationships.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
