Plants have
enemies.
Weeds work at
replication.
Real love
can’t be faked.
When that poem came to mind this morning instead of sleep, I
wondered how many poems I’d been given on love. I still don’t know, but most poets write on
the subject, along with other universal topics such as birth, death, and
infinity. What’s written, however, may have little to do with actual love – the real love the Apostle Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians 13.
Comparing translations on Bible Gateway, I’m reminded that the
King James Version uses the word “charity” in lieu of “love.” That synonym
helps to clarify the concept of true love by bringing to mind a donation, a gift,
or other type of assistance.
The “love chapter” also defines by comparing and contrasting what
genuine love is and is not. For example:
- Love is NOT jealous, envious, or given to suspicions and assumptions.
- Love is NOT bigoted, arrogant, or conceited.
- Love is NOT self-centered but centers on God and others.
And yet, it does not matter what we do or how hard we work if we
have no spirit of love behind our actions.
A charismatic sermon, an angelic voice, a prophetic gift, a
brilliant mind, and huge donations do not matter! Even a strong, unwavering
faith counts for nothing if there is no God-centered love at the core.
Love IS kind and caring.
Love IS respectful of all peoples, all life.
Love IS still around when everything else has failed or fled.
May God help us to pass on and on true love.
©2021, Mary Harwell Sayler
…
