It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres – 1 Corinthians 13:7

True, Godly love is a beautiful and safe love. It is a love that seeks to protect those in its embrace. It is unconditional and genuine, always persevering and holding tight. As followers of Jesus, that is the love that we are called to pour out on others. A love that remains steadfast and strong, not disappearing at the first sign of trouble.

To love others like this isn’t always easy. Our humanity is not always consistent or trusting. It doesn’t always hope for the best, at times believing the worst instead. But through the Holy Spirit, we can love in this way. We can extend love that seeks to protect others. We can extend love that believe in and want the best for others, even when they prove us wrong and hurt us.

To love like Jesus is to love with a selfless love that is forgiving, gracious, consistent, and steadfast. Jesus loved us with an everlasting love, a love that made Him go to the Cross for us, knowing that not everyone would accept Him and His love. But He did it anyway. That is a love that protects, trusts, preservers, and always hopes. It is a love that is worth choosing each day.

Today and every other day, may we love like Jesus and be people that protects and has hope for others.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that Your love is a love that protects us and fills us with hope. Help us to love like You and to extend love to others in ways that will point them to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.