1 Corinthians 13:4-7
In the New Testament, we find that there are a few types of love that are present. Maybe you are familiar with some of them; eros, storge, philia, agape and puppy. Ha. Ok, puppy love probably isn’t in the Bible. I have had puppy love on the brain lately. Recently, Pastor Alec put together a “Puppy Party” event for the youth group with the sweetest bunch of golden retriever pups. And from that litter, I now have two new grandpups. One is a female and she is adorable. She is appropriately named Hatty which means ruler of the home. The other grandpup, a male, is named after a character from the Pixar movie, Up. Dug is a lovable sweet golden retriever who wears a special high-tech collar that translates his thoughts into human speech. He is famous for his cheerful personality and the iconic line, "I have just met you, and I love you."
Biblical love goes much deeper, MUCH deeper, and stands the test of time because it is not based on feelings, circumstances, what we can get from someone, or sweet puppy cuddles. It is a deliberate choice to reflect the character of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, Paul describes love in practical terms: it is patient and kind, does not envy or boast, is not proud or rude, does not demand its own way, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love rejoices in truth, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.
Historically, these words were written to the church in Corinth, a diverse and prosperous city influenced by competition, social status, wealth, and personal ambition. The Corinthian believers were struggling with division and pride. Paul reminded them that spiritual gifts, knowledge, and accomplishments mean little without love. Love was not supposed to be merely something they talked about; it was supposed to shape how they treated one another.
That message remains powerful today. Our culture often encourages us to put ourselves first, protect our image, seek recognition, and walk away when relationships become difficult. Biblical love challenges that mindset. It asks us to be patient when patience is difficult, forgive when we have been hurt, and choose kindness even when we receive nothing in return.
Just a final thought about “puppy love.” Let’s be like Dug who cheerfully says, “I have just met you and I love you” and like Hatty as you allow love to rule your hearts and home. Ok, maybe that’s a stretch. The reality is that someday, we will be gone. Our possessions, achievements, titles, and recognition will eventually fade. But the love we give can continue through the lives we have touched. That is why love is not about us—it is about what we leave behind. Love, true biblical love, endures because “love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8). When everything else passes away, love remains.
Biblical love goes much deeper, MUCH deeper, and stands the test of time because it is not based on feelings, circumstances, what we can get from someone, or sweet puppy cuddles. It is a deliberate choice to reflect the character of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, Paul describes love in practical terms: it is patient and kind, does not envy or boast, is not proud or rude, does not demand its own way, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love rejoices in truth, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.
Historically, these words were written to the church in Corinth, a diverse and prosperous city influenced by competition, social status, wealth, and personal ambition. The Corinthian believers were struggling with division and pride. Paul reminded them that spiritual gifts, knowledge, and accomplishments mean little without love. Love was not supposed to be merely something they talked about; it was supposed to shape how they treated one another.
That message remains powerful today. Our culture often encourages us to put ourselves first, protect our image, seek recognition, and walk away when relationships become difficult. Biblical love challenges that mindset. It asks us to be patient when patience is difficult, forgive when we have been hurt, and choose kindness even when we receive nothing in return.
Just a final thought about “puppy love.” Let’s be like Dug who cheerfully says, “I have just met you and I love you” and like Hatty as you allow love to rule your hearts and home. Ok, maybe that’s a stretch. The reality is that someday, we will be gone. Our possessions, achievements, titles, and recognition will eventually fade. But the love we give can continue through the lives we have touched. That is why love is not about us—it is about what we leave behind. Love, true biblical love, endures because “love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8). When everything else passes away, love remains.
Posted in Devotional