Real Love [part1]

Read it. 1 Corinthians 13

Love is…patient.

Understand it. Love is willing to wait instead of demanding, "Prove you care, NOW!"

Experience it. Sometimes you might feel like no one loves you. Or you may feel that they do, but only a little bit. Sometimes you might feel like screaming, "PROVE YOU CARE, NOW!" But what will that accomplish? You’ll startle the person you’re talking to – and what they’re trying to say, what they really feel, may not come out right. So instead of yelling and demanding an answer, just watch their actions. If you’re wondering if your mom loves you or not, watch what she does throughout the day. Does she cook your meals? Does she let you live under her roof? Does she buy you clothes and other things you need? Does she occasionally give you a treat? Does she look at you kindly, or hug you? Sure, none of these mean someone loves you, but they do hint at it, and if you watch closely, you’re bound to find that someone does love you.

Live it. Next time you see your mom, dad, or someone else you love, tell them you love them, whether you say the words or you give them a hug. People love to know you care about them.

Put God in it. Ok, maybe you’ve had a rough life and maybe you don’t have a mom or dad who loves you. But don’t give up hope. You have a heavenly dad, perfect and pure, who loves you more than any person could ever love you. God’s love is eternal – it will never fade. God loves everyone (that means you!) so much that he sent his son to die for you, so that you could be with him. There’s no love greater than that, trust me. God loves you, and don’t ever forget that. God’s love is real love.

Journal Jots:
If love is patient, then should you be patient with your siblings to show them love?
If love is patient, should you love those who try your patience?
If someone is impatient, does it mean they are incapable of loving you or anyone else?
In what ways have other people shown patience and love to you?
In what ways have you shown patience and love to others?
In what ways has God shown patience and love to you?
What are some ways you can show love to others by being patient?
Should we be patient to God and accept his timing? Is this one way to show your love for him?

Waiting

So, today, my friend is coming over to just "hang". She's two minutes late, and I haven't seen her in a while, so I keep glancing out the window, hoping she'll come.

The suspense is killing me.

C'mon, Avery!

This reminds me of waiting for Jesus to come for us. He's the best friend anyone can have, and while we talk to him through prayer (like talking to my friend over the phone), think how great it will be when you finally get to see Jesus, face to face! That's WAY better than running down your cell minutes and not even getting to see him. As much as I want to see Avery's mom's car pull up the driveway, Jesus's cloud pulling down to earth will be even more exciting.

And just like when company comes over, and you have to clean your room and change into clean clothes, there are things we need to do to get ready for when Jesus comes. God tells us to wait patiently, dress ourselves in good deeds, and tell people about him so that EVERYONE can be ready for when Jesus comes.

C'mon, Jesus!