love

1st Corinthians is so rich with conversations. conversation to self, or more accurately Paul to the churches, yet the tone of it all remains so casual, especially in the ESV version. glad we have a saviour who came down to make us strong in our weaknesses. to show us what real love is. to know that we have a hope in a perfect love.

in the recent events of terror. not just in France but all over the world. not just on screens when masses are killed. not just all of those. but also the recent event of fleeing for your lives, be it from a war or from an abusive home, the recent event of increasing homelessness, of dying orphans, and of having to worry for your next meal. these are all events of terror too if you ask me. but yet, we know that in the midst of the troubles we see, God's love prevails.

so friends, I urge you to think. what does love mean to you?
does it mean responding kindly instead of sarcastically?
does it mean not trying to prove you are right all the time?
does it mean talking about solutions instead of problems?
does it mean not fueling heated conversations on social media?
does it mean not 'sharing' that sad, emotional video and actually helping an actual real-life person?
does it mean paying ahead for a stranger?
does it mean saying sorry and hugging your siblings after a hurtful argument?
does it mean treating your parents like you treat your best friends?
does it mean admitting you are wrong?
does it mean not passing judgement too quickly?
does it mean not cursing when driving?
does it mean looking in the mirror and telling yourself that you are worthy, and you are beautiful?
does it mean not settling for nothing but the best?
does it mean going out of your way to make sure your sick friend is not left behind in work/school?
does it mean putting aside grudges and disappointments (for real - like erasing it off the books)?
does it mean praying for the co-worker whose one real mission in life is to outdo you?
does it mean being happy for someone, genuinely happy?

whatever it looks like to you. the world needs more of it. let us stop living in vain. we can't afford that anymore. don't you agree?

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.