One last full day of break, thank You, Father, for time with family. Guide my thoughts for my time with You. Amen.
1 Corinthians 13:7a (<<click here to read the passage)
Love bears all things [regardless of what comes]… AMP
One of the most heart-wrenching things in life is where love is lost, where once it bloomed and thrived.
One example from life occurred to a family I knew some years ago. The family is not the same as it once was, in that one member chose self over love. I’m sure that it is not a stand-alone story but one that is too often played in the lives of people across the globe. The characters and circumstances change, but sadly, the outcome is the same. There is always loss and pain when self is chosen over love.
This family included a man, a woman, and several children. Young love was beautiful and plenteous. They did not have wealth, but love was the glue that held them together. The man of the house provided well for his growing family, and things were good…until…
I don’t know what caused their catalyst of change, but change did come. And in this instance, addiction was the result. Pain meds led to addiction, and the man of the house was caught in its never-ending grasp. For a time, he fought valiantly for his freedom…his family. Love fueled the fight; it gave him the edge when many things did not. But little by little, through many battles, self began to gain ground while love began to lose ground.
His beautiful wife stalwartly stood by his side. A warrior in prayer she was, love encompassing all she did. But loss and pain were her constant companions. Until finally, the gauntlet had to be thrown to the ground. A choice had to be made. The ultimatum was given: would love of family be his choice…or love of self? She was readied for battle, but sadly, he was not. He was done, and in his heart, love had surrendered to self. Where once there had been love…now only self reigned – the end…in so many ways.
I don’t know where self led him, but love was her guide, and she and her family carried on, strengthened by that love. God honored her love and multiplied it. And today, she is blessed beyond measure.
Today’s text declares that love bears all things, and it is amplified by the phrase, regardless of what comes.
This mom, though battle-worn, would not give up her love. She did not set it aside because of her pain and loss but grasped it all the more, for she knew that the source of her love, the Lord Himself, would not let her fall. She survived the storm because she was a child of Him who calms the storm.
Lord Jesus, may your blessings continue to fall on this family. May the prodigal who exchanged love for self someday come home. May we all learn that only love, Your love, will carry us through; it will bear all things…regardless of what comes.
Jan 1st, 2024, Mon, 7:43 pm
