Saturday: Living Out Real Love

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Anchor Verse:

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV) “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

In a Nutshell:

Pastor Shantel taught that love is essential above all else, has a specific way of behaving, and is eternal – outlasting even faith and hope.

Unpacking the Word:

As we wrap up our week of devotions on real love, let’s review the key principles we’ve explored and consider how they work together to transform our lives and relationships. The message of 1 Corinthians 13 is clear: love is the supreme virtue, greater even than faith and hope.

On Monday, we discovered that patience is the foundation of love – the soil in which all other virtues grow. When we slow down and create space in our lives, kindness naturally emerges. This patience reflects God’s character and His perfect timing, contrasting sharply with our culture’s demand for immediate gratification.

Tuesday’s devotion revealed how envy, boasting, and pride form an interconnected cluster that poisons relationships. These attitudes distort how we see ourselves and others, creating division instead of unity. Real love breaks this cycle by helping us see through God’s eyes, celebrating others’ blessings without feeling threatened.

Wednesday focused on how love behaves honorably in relationships – respecting others, putting their needs first, responding with patience rather than anger, and refusing to keep records of wrongs. These qualities create a virtuous cycle that builds trust and deepens connection.

Thursday explored love’s commitment to truth and its protective nature. Real love rejoices in what is right while creating safe spaces where people can be vulnerable. It chooses to believe the best, maintains hope for growth, and perseveres through difficulties.

Yesterday, we considered love’s eternal nature – how it outlasts everything else, including spiritual gifts. This perspective shifts our priorities from temporary achievements to eternal investments in relationships.

The beautiful truth is that all these aspects of love work together to create the kind of community God desires – one where differences become strengths rather than sources of division, where people are valued and protected, and where relationships reflect God’s character. As Pastor Shantel emphasized, we cannot manufacture this kind of love on our own. We need to be connected to God, allowing His agape love to flow through us to others.

As we move forward, let’s remember that developing this kind of love is a lifelong journey. We won’t perfect it overnight, but as we practice patience, resist comparison, honor others, commit to truth, and focus on what’s eternal, we’ll grow in our capacity to love as God loves.

Pause and Reflect:

1. Looking back over this week’s devotions, which aspect of love presents the greatest challenge for you personally?
2. How has your understanding of love expanded or changed through this week’s reflections?
3. What specific relationship in your life most needs the application of God’s agape love right now?

Faith in Action:

1. Choose one quality of love from 1 Corinthians 13 to focus on developing over the next month. Create a specific plan for practicing it daily.
2. Write a letter (whether you send it or not) to someone who has modeled God’s love to you, thanking them for specific ways they’ve demonstrated patience, kindness, honor, protection, or perseverance.
3. Find a way to verbally encourage each member of your household or your closest friends this weekend, focusing on affirming who they are rather than what they do.

A Moment With God:

Father God, thank You for showing us what real love looks like through Your Word and through the example of Jesus. Help me to receive Your love more fully so that I can give it more freely. Transform my relationships to reflect Your character, and use me to build unity rather than division in my community.

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We encourage you to use the comments to share your most significant takeaway from this week’s devotionals, how you’ve been challenged, and what God is revealing to you about your spiritual journey.

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