Loving when it Hurts

We enjoy sharing and expressing love with those who love us. However, it’s difficult to continue to love someone who doesn’t love us back in the same way. In our natural state, we can’t do this; yet, in the Spirit of Christ—this is entirely possible based on 1 Corinthians 13. What does it look like to love when it hurts?

Love is patient…when others continually cause hurt with their words and actions.

Love is kind…when the opportunity opens up for us to be a blessing or encouragement.

Love is not jealous…when others around us are more blessed in areas we are not.

Love does not brag…when something good happens to come our way unexpectedly.

Love is not arrogant…when God has abundantly blessed us through His grace.

Love does not act unbecomingly…when we are tempted to act dishonorably.

Love does not seek its own…when we resist looking at a situation only in light of how it affects us.

Love is not provoked…when our anger is rising and we calm down in the Lord.

Love does not take in account a wrong suffered…when we continue to forgive and remember how we are forgiven by our Father in heaven.

Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness…when we reflect on the horrible price Jesus paid for our sins.

Love rejoices with the truth…when we rejoice in the truth that hurts and heals just as much as any other truth.

Love bears all things…when we cover the weaknesses and faults of other with our silence and prayers.

Love believes all things…when we are willing to have faith in others and believe the best in them.

Love hopes all things…when we never stop expecting that God is working all things for our good, even the bad things.

Love endures all things…when we are willing to be a fortitude of love in spite of controversy and mistrust.

Love never fails…when we transfer the unconditional, agape love of God to others who don’t deserve it.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I want to love like You do—pure and unconditional love to those who love me and to those who don’t. Fill me with your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,

Republished by Blog Post Promoter