Monday, 4^th November, 2024

By Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: TRUE LOVE NEVER FAILS

Theme Scripture:  Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. John 13:1 KJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. What does it really mean to love others truly?

Portia was 21 years when she married Akangakum. They loved each other and were married for 18 years before Portia fell into an adultery. Akangakum was broken when he learnt what had happened. For many weeks Akangakum could not accept that the woman he loves had been involved in an extra marital affair. With three children, Akangakum did not know what to do even though Portia had taken full responsibility for this unfortunate entanglement.

One day, Akangakum went over to see his blind grandpa to ask for his counsel.  “Grandpa, I dont know what to do; how to proceed with my marriage", Akangakum said. His grandpa was silent for about a minute and then asked his grandson these three questions: "Do you love Portia?" "Do you love her  for your sake or for her sake?" " Have you married her?" Akangakum answered “yes” to all the questions. Grandpa's counsel was simple: "You seem to truly love your wife dearly. Love what is yours to the end, irrespective of what comes your way. True love never fails."

 

Beloved, Jesus knew His own, and loved them. He loved them even till death. Some betrayed Him, abandoned Him and turned their backs to Him when things were critical. Yet, He loved them to the end.

 

Precious one, do you know "your own"? As many as God has given you, these are your own. Your parents are your own. Your spouse and children are your own. Your pastor is your own. Friends and loved ones are all yours. Are you loving your own to the end, irrespective of how "your own" has treated you? Your father might have abandoned you at an early age. Love him. Your mum or step-mom might have abused you. Love her. Your children might not have honored you as a parent,  love them. Your pastor might not have been responsible enough as your leader, love him. Your spouse may have betrayed your confidence, love him or her. Love your own to the end. True love is "...not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]." 1 Corinthians 13:5 AMPC

True love is the love of God which is not conditional. See, God loves us so dearly, not because He wants something from us. Rather, His love wants us to gain something from Him. Even though, when we reject His love, God hurts. He hurts, not because He has lost something. He hurts because God knows we have lost it big time. True love, beloved, focuses on the object of love not our personal gain, lest that love becomes self-centered. Loved ones may have hurt you, and it really hurts. True love, precious one, "...bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]." 1 Corinthians 13:7 AMPC

 True love never fails so love your own to the end. God bless you more.

 

FURTHER READING: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

 

  Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. Is there someone in your heart you need to forgive?
2. The people God has brought your way, have you loved them, and do you still love them.

PRAYER

Precious Lord, your love is what has saved me. You looked beyond my sins and guilt to save me, making me a better person in Christ. I receive your love, strength and fortitude to love as many as you have given me. No matter the circumstances, the seasons and the times, I will love to the end. Hallelujah!

 

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Chronicles 33; Hosea 1; Acts 14; Acts 15