1
Corinthians 13:4-8a
This
military term, “endures” assures that a soldier will hold his stance at any
cost…even unto death. With our war still
going on in the Middle East, we hear many stories about these brave service men
who have given their lives by enduring
or fighting to the very end. These
heroes, after seeing one of their comrades falling close by, remain steadfast
and stand their ground. Never do they
give up.
Even
to the point of death.
This
love perseveres in intolerable situations.
This love looks beyond to the hope of what lies in the future.
Isn’t
that what Christ did for us on the cross?
When
you find yourself being mistreated, unappreciated, unacknowledged, and even
insulted, call upon the love of God that remains unwavering. Finish the battle, mighty Christian, with
perseverance!
I
have witnessed bloodshed on the battlefield myself. No, not the physical battlefield, but the
spiritual battlefield. Need I remind you
that the enemy wages war against us? (Ephesians
6:12) The wounded have hurt when their husbands have been thoughtless or when
another believer has injured their friendship.
Many wear a countenance of pain because of the insults or untruths barbed
their way.
As
a soldier of Christ, I too, wear many battle scars. I have suffered false accusations, misguided innuendos,
gossip, and mistreatment from others.
Although I can attest to the attacks as painful, I endured. Remember what Paul exhorted in 1 Peter 4:8, “And above all things have fervent love for
one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” Fervent love.
Don’t let it grow cold.
We
need to forever remain strong, even though things get rough and we become worn
down. How can we do this? This LOVE is only
available through God. It takes the
focus off of self and places it onto Jesus. We must let this love be
transformed into actions that demonstrate as much. 1 John
3:18 (NKJV)“My little children, let
us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
It
demonstrates a love more concerned about the other person than being
vindicated. Are you in a place right now,
through no fault of your own, where you feel a need to let others know you are
blameless? Let me leave you with this:
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might
become the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Corinthians 5:21
Love endured...
even to the cross.
even to the cross.
Forever
His,
Anita
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