A Prayer About Love

When I consider the depth of my affection

DEAR LORD,

At a wedding recently, I heard excerpts read from 1 Corinthians 13—the “love chapter.” Weddings are all about love—songs, vows, and expressions of devotion. I first thought of love as a feeling. So as a child, the word described my deep affection, and my expressions were sincere and heartfelt. These days, grown-up love seems to be something one seeks, hopes for, and possesses—very self-oriented. But that seems to be even more immature than my childlike understanding, especially in light of Paul’s profound description, which seems to highlight an attitude and a choice. And when I think of Jesus telling us to follow his example, I see that love involves action. I love when I choose to act in someone else’s best interests, thinking about that person and not myself. O Lord, I am still so immature in my love. You loved me when I was living apart from you and against you. And it wasn’t a warm, fuzzy feeling; you sent Jesus to die for me. You chose; you acted; you gave! Teach me to love.

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. . . . Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1, 13