We all need love. According to 1 Corinthians 13:13, love is the greatest. The Message translation says we should, “love extravagantly.”
When I think of an extravagant gift, my thoughts go to something unexpected, way beyond what is necessary for the occasion, and more than I would typically receive or deserve.
If the best of the big three—faith, hope, and love—is love, and we are to love extravagantly, we should give unexpectedly of our kindness, forgiveness, and put others first even when we don’t feel they deserve our love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 states: “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. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (NLT).
I’ve read these verses many times but often feel I’ve come up short. I’m sure I’m not alone.
Even though we love and serve the Lord, we sometimes allow negativity and discontentment into our hearts. This often shows up as sarcasm and bitterness instead of the love we desire to share. When I hear it come out of my mouth, I am convicted and sorrowful. On occasion, I’ve needed to apologize to a coworker or family member for snapping back. Would have been easier to respond in love the first time.
Our negative thoughts affect our intimacy with the Lord. How can we get on our knees and surrender our hearts in prayer and worship if we haven’t given Him our sinful attitude?
This negativity can also affect how we relate to others. I find it difficult to spend much time with someone who constantly berates the people in their lives. Are they trying to make themselves look better by blaming someone else? Sad truth is, I’ve done this myself. Maybe you have too.
We get caught up in the unfairness of our circumstances or listen to lies from the evil one. We begin to sulk and worry. Start to believe everyone is against us. What if we turn that all around and show God’s love? Instead of demanding our own way, what if we put the other person first? What if we choose to forgive? Maybe we could become more approachable and agreeable as well as learn to love extravagantly. Love beyond what anyone deserves. God’s love.