ARE YOU IN NEED OF STABILITY AND SOMETHING DEPENDABLE?

SCRIPTURE:
Love never fails.  But where there are prophecies, they will cease; 
here there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, 
it will pass away.  
(1 Corinthians 13:8)

MEDITATION:
Is there anything in this world 
that you can depend on one hundred percent of the time?
Can you name something that is a ‘sure thing’?
Some people would say that two things are certain – death and taxes.
We can agree on the certainty of death, but not necessarily on taxes 
(although it seems like they will never go away).

Most people would categorize these as undesirable certainties, 
but is there any ‘sure thing’ that is desirable?
The scriptures tell us there is – love (because it never fails).
What does ‘never fail’ mean?
I believe it means that whenever we are dominated by love, 
we can handle whatever comes our way.
Not only that, but we will lift the spirits of those around us.
And lastly, we can love people to the Lord.

Love is the foundation for a happy Christian home.  
True love contains an element of spiritual mystery 
and is a cohesive force that holds the family together.
Love embodies loyalty, reverence, respect and understanding.
All of these are essential requirements for happy and healthy relationships.

Love imposes a tremendous responsibility on each person, 
but it is a responsibility with splendid rewards.
The scriptures tell us to love in the same manner that Jesus loved the church.
How do we measure that type of love? He gave His life for it.
He loved it in spite of its faults, mistakes and weaknesses.

We can see from His example 
that love should be a dominant trait in the life of a believer.
We need to understand that love does not dissipate due to
the personality defects, physical blemishes or any type of fault in others.

If love is not supposed to fail, 
then it needs to be deep, sincere, unshakeable and eternal.
Love tears down the walls of tension and suspicion between people.
Love also assures children that their home is a safe haven.

ACTION:
Would others say that love is a dominant trait in your life?
If not, then what changes should you make so that it is obvious to others?
Jesus said:
"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? 
Even sinners love those who love them." (Luke 6:32)
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, 
if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

We should love others, but never forget to show our love for the Lord as well. 
Jesus said:
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and 
with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37)
The Psalmist said:
Lord, I love the house where you live, 
the place where your glory dwells. (Psalm 26:8)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for reminding 
me in Your Word that I need to strive to have the same kind of love that 
Jesus has for me. Show me the things in my life that need to take a backseat 
to love. Teach me how to develop and increase my love and concern for 
others. Help me to become more selfless and less selfish. Convict me 
whenever I am judgmental of others, and especially when it changes my 
level of love for them. Teach me to look past the visible and love the souls 
of those You created. Show me how to freely express my love for others, 
and especially my love for You.”