The Pilgrim Path---First Corinthians 13: 4a

Love is patient and kind…

“LOVE…”

Just lately I have had the privilege of witnessing what Gospel-oriented love can do. I have seen it break down some hard barriers between people. I have observed it melt very cold individuals---even crack unyielding souls. It has been wonderful to see the Spirit of the Living Christ change combative folk into compliant---more meek people. What a testimony to the power of Jesus Christ the LORD---and the often-subtle way He works within and upon souls. As I reflect, it is humbling to remember how patient the LORD has been with me. It would be a tragedy if I did not demonstrate that same patience and kindness to others. Alas, God forgive me---I do not always show the same mercy, kindness---and patience. This “Love Chapter” is here for a reason: we talk about Love---but fail to put it into practice with considerable regularity. This chapter is to check our thoughts, words, and deeds---as a Follower of Jesus Christ the LORD. His Love provides not only forgiveness for sins---but significantly changes the way we live.

---Even love may be provoked…But it takes much, very much, to provoke love; it is not easily provoked. John Duncan

---The failure of many is to seek from man what can be found only in God. All human affection is empty; the love of God alone is able to fully satisfy one’s desire. The moment a Christian seeks a love outside God his spiritual life immediately falls. Watchman Nee

---The kind of love that Paul speaks about here is unconditional and sacrificial. Such love does not seek to serve itself; it seeks the good of others and the honor of God. If such love brings rewards, these are to be rejoiced in, but they are never to be the goal. How much of our love seeks its own? How can we love more unconditionally today? Joel Beeke

---I believe that much of the secret of soul-winning lies in having bowels of compassion, in having spirits that can be touched with the feelings of human infirmities. Charles Spurgeon

---Love is the sum of all virtue, and love disposes us to good. Jonathan Edwards

---The measure of all love is its giving. The measure of the love of God is the cross of Christ, where the Father gave the Son to die so that the spiritually dead might have life. J. I. Packer

---The soul…craves fulfillment from things outside itself and will embrace earthly joys for satisfaction when it cannot reach spiritual ones. The believer is in spiritual danger if he allows himself to go for any length of time without tasting the love of Christ and savoring the felt comforts of a Savior’s presence. When Christ ceases to fill the heart with satisfaction, our souls will go in silent search of other lovers. John Flavel

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” First Corinthians 13: 13

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason