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TODAY’S WORD…

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Love is patient and kind.

Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.

It does not demand its own way.

It is not irritable,

and it keeps no record of being wronged.

It does not rejoice about injustice

but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

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Love never gives up,

never loses faith,

is always hopeful,

and endures through every circumstance.

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– 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

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REFLECTION…

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This popular passage is often read at weddings,

where, most unfortunately, it is often received

as just another syrupy and sentimental treatise on love

– although, arguably, the most wonderful ever written.

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“Wishful thinking!” many would say.

“Not so” says the Spirit,

who so desires us to earnestly call upon Him – frequently and in all circumstances –

and invite Him to come and fill us

with the same love that overflowed from Jesus.

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Two thousand years later,

the modern definition of love (to so many) seems to be all about passion, attraction, and sexual desire,

and it certainly is not generally regarded as a virtue that should endure every circumstance

…and last forever!

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The quest for immediate self-satisfaction

cannot live side by side with an unselfish love

that never gives up,

never loses faith,

is always hopeful,

and endures through every circumstance.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Come Holy Spirit, and fill me with Your love

– a love

that never gives up,

never loses faith,

is always hopeful,

and endures through every circumstance.

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Come Holy Spirit, and help me love like Jesus loves.

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