1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Innumerable messages preached, books written, poems rhymed, songs sung, sculptures carved, and wars battled over this four letter word – love. Yet mankind still searches for that all- satisfying, all-sacrificing, selfless love in this world from another human being or self-made idols. Despite knowing that God is love, we are still seeking a kind of love that is only fathomable, and unwilling to dive in to the depths of God’s love that is unfathomable.

Why is it that we are not willing to succumb to God’s love when it is within our reach? Is it because of the fear that we will be transformed? Is it reluctance to direct that love outwards like God instead of inwards? Do we consider that that kind of love is just a fable when it is utterly impossible to be extremely unselfish? Whatever the reasons, until we tread into the waters of His love, we will not experience the superiority of His selfless, all-forgiving, all-enduring, encompassing love.

It is indeed hard to die to self when we taste God’s love. However, not in our strength but His. When Jesus appeared to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias after His resurrection, He asked Peter specifically if he loved him thrice keeping in account of the three times Peter denied Jesus. After affirming Jesus that indeed he loved him, twice, Peter could not confirm of his love for Jesus the third time. He simply said, “Lord, you know all things.” Jesus knew the kind of love Peter has towards Him. Jesus’ love for Peter was enough for Peter at that moment (St. John 21: 15-17). Jesus’ command for Peter was to feed and take care of His sheep.

We need to step into a realization that indeed we are immeasurably-loved, highly-favored by God despite of our numerous shortcomings. When His light shines, darkness in every corner of hearts will be dispelled forever. Just like Peter, we should realize that it is not our love towards God that is important but His love for us. When our focus is on Him, transformation is easy. We will no longer be troubled when wading through troubled waters. Our attitudes will change drastically. We are no longer selfish, mean, short-tempered, etc., but sacrificial, kind, sweet-tempered, loving unconditionally, enduring everything with a smile on our face. That’s because we will be walking clones of Jesus on earth. We will be wearing His robe of righteousness, walking & behaving like Him so much so that others will know that we are Christians by our LOVE.

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