Beautiful Word Devotional #133

[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:7

When you own something of value, you protect it. You get your car’s oil changed. You fix your home’s leaky roof.

Similarly, when you love someone, you protect that person. You guard her reputation by not gossiping. You comfort her when she’s hurting. You nurse her back to physical health.

Today’s verse about love adds to this beautiful portrait. Love always trusts. If you love someone, you will naturally believe him or her. You’ll extend the benefit of the doubt instead of jumping to conclusions.

Love always hopes. Even when a friend is far from God and making poor choices, you continue to have vigilant hope. You don’t give up believing that hearts and circumstances can change because of God’s great power.

Love always perseveres. You walk with someone you love no matter how rough the path. You speak words of truth and life. You’re there when the one you love hits rock bottom.

And this is the kind of love Jesus has for you.

Lord, I want to love with a love that protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. Please help me, amen.