Love... always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Do you know that the Sanskrit language, an ancient language of India, predominant among most Hindu scriptures, has 96 words for love? The ancient Persian language has 80 words, the Greek language has four, and Americans speaking English, one! It is no wonder our culture has this whole love thing mixed up. Pasted all over the headlines are stories of actors and actresses, athletes and singers falling in and out of love week after week. Did you know the average Hollywood relationship lasts three years? Love, in America, is in an identity crisis. With only one word to describe love, Americans are confused. Relationships fail as people simply fall out of love. Many report not feeling the same way as they once did. Their passion runs dry. As I look back on my relationship with God, I cannot help but to reflect on the times I have been unlovable. Yet through those times, God chooses to love me and stick with me, encouraging me through my good days and my bad days. True love is to love others when they are unlovable, to persevere no matter what your feelings are toward them. In the week ahead, display the love of God to others. Put your own feelings aside and persevere with somebody showing them the same love that God shows you. In Christ's love, Julie

Prayer

We must not measure the reality of love by feelings, but by results. Feelings are very delusive. They often depend on mere natural temperament, and the devil wrests them to our hurt. A glowing imagination is apt to seek itself rather than God. But if you are earnest in striving to serve and endure for Gods sake, if you persevere amid temptation, dryness, weariness, and desolation, you may rest assured that your love is real. Jean N. Grou (1731-1803)

• Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
• Monday: 1 Corinthians 13:7
• Tuesday: 1 John 4:18
• Wednesday: 1 John 4:21
• Thursday: Leviticus 19:18
• Friday: Mark 12:30-31
• Saturday: Ephesians 5:33
• Sunday: 1 John 4:16b