Love is in the air, as they say, and that is our topic this week. Love can be a broad term, but we want to refine it for our time together—at the same time we are preoccupied with cards, gifts, and candy hearts.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

If we’re honest, that definition—God’s definition, really—is pretty different from much of how the world sees love. In real life, it can be complicated, stressful, even brutal. Broken relationships devastate lives.

But those of us who know Jesus know that our mission is to love like Him. Loving like Jesus takes the complications out of relationships.

If you are sorting through what love means to you, would you consider for the next few days what it means to love with the pure love of Christ? Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians require something of us, and that is a key we will continue to explore.

Make someone else the priority this week, and not yourself.

Let’s pray. Lord, your perfect love has sustained us always. We love you in return! Amen

When it comes to love, the secular world has plenty to say. Turn on the television, radio, or explore the internet, and you’ll find advice on every type of relationship, from friendships to getting along with your parents, and of course – advice on romantic relationships. People are clamoring to figure love out…but what does the Bible say about love?

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Love isn’t about control, or about protecting our own interests. It’s not about winning, because true love doesn’t keep score. God’s Word gives us a beautiful picture of what love can be when we seek to follow the Lord: patient, kind, selfless, humble, and forgiving. That’s the kind of love we should strive to build with family, friends, and a potential mate.

If we want to take Paul’s wisdom in Corinthians to heart, we must first think about what the other person needs in our relationships. And you know, if you practice this model, you’ll find that soon enough, your own needs will be met, too! Pure love has a ripple effect.

Let it wash over you!

Let’s pray. Lord, your relationship to us is perfect. Help us love as you love. Amen

We hope this week is a great one for you in your relationships. Like many people, you have a special someone in your life and you’ve gotten a gift from someone who loves you. At least a last-minute one!

But part of truly loving and being healthy emotionally is looking at what God intends for human love. That provides an opportunity for you to share the love of Christ in a very real way.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Be honest with yourself. Have you been good to your boyfriend, girlfriend, wife or husband? Have you? Maybe you’ve done pretty well, but if you think about it for at least a couple minutes, you might feel a twinge that alerts you to some ways you haven’t honored the other person. Have you been patient, kind, honoring?

Nope, don’t start arguing about what is “wrong” with the other person. Take some time for self-reflection. If you can do better, do. Make that your real gift this Valentine’s week.

Let’s pray. Lord, sometimes we don’t see our own flaws. Guide us in the ways you want us to love others. Amen.

Have you ever been hurt in a relationship? If you’ve been alive very long at all, the answer is an obvious “Yes!” Reality has shown us that love can be the most wonderful feeling ever…or it can be ugly and brutal. It can feel like your heart has been run over by a truck.

We’re talking about Loving Like Jesus, and as usual, His Word unlocks the secrets of our hearts, and shows us the way to healing.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Frankly, each of us supposed to love like this. But just briefly, let’s focus on you. Why? Because it’s okay to do that if you understand that Jesus loves you and wants all the best for you.

Has someone hurt you in a relationship? Is marriage or romance a challenging topic for you? Then please mediate on Scripture and realize that Jesus wants a partner for you who is patient, kind, and honors you. Oh -- and he or she doesn’t take frustrations out on you, either.

Use that as your starting point over whether to stay in a relationship or open your heart to new opportunities.

Let’s pray. Lord, help us to be mindful of your desires for us in the area of relationships. Amen

We are wrapping-up a weeklong discussion of love. Beyond deep questions like Candy? Flowers? or BOTH? We’ve decided to focus on what God says about true love. And in that realization, a very great gift is waiting for each of us!

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

We get so caught up in our human relationships that we can forget about the most important relationship any of us will ever have. Scripture tells us that Jesus literally created each of us. The Psalmist told us that we are wonderfully made, and that God knows each of us, and did so even before we were born!

That is the starting point for finding true love. It is foundational. Focus first on your relationship with Jesus Christ. Talk to him freely, alone. Just open up. Tell Him your hurts and frustrations. You will soon feel His warm embrace, and the love He has for you. He is the ultimate provider of patience and kindness.

It is then you will begin to find real love. True love. Lasting love – in the form of our Heavenly Father who loves us dearly.

Let’s pray. Lord, your Son Jesus has loved us so perfectly, we are overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you for loving us! Amen