Typically when we hear these words from 1 Corinthians 13 quoted, we’re at a wedding. But let’s be honest, we could all probably use a little reminder to be patient and kind during the holidays, and not just to strangers. In fact, in America we are often nicer to acquaintances and strangers than we are to the people we love the most.
So, here on day 3 in our countdown to Christmas, let’s determine to make an effort to be loving to those we love the most. Today, as we lean into the Lord and ask Him to help us share His love with others let’s focus not just on strangers but on the people close to us – our extended family.
To be sure, this can be a challenge. An abundance of family together in one place can be stressful even if it is a joy. It’s easy to step on toes, hurt feelings, and bring old baggage to the party. But we don’t actually have to do that. We could, instead, leave the old baggage behind this time and enter into this family time with a heart ready to love with patience and kindness.
Whether you’re traveling to see family or hosting them in your home; or even if you’re gathering with friends, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 offers a great reminder of how to love those who love us. To make it easier to study, I’ve broken the verse out as a list. Use it as a review before the crowd arrives and ask God to help you with the ones that make you especially uneasy. I know I will!
“Love is patient,
love is kind and is not jealous;
love does not brag and is not arrogant,
does not act unbecomingly;
it does not seek its own,
is not provoked,
does not take into account a wrong suffered,
does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
We’re almost there! Get ready for Joy…and may peace be with you, always!