LOVE IN LOCKDOWN3

Saint Paul's treatise on love was actually to do with best practice and motivation for a follower of Christ.

The passage challenges our everyday behaviour, and sets the highest standard for which we should aim.

Love is patient and kind;

love is not jealous or boastful;

it is not arrogant or rude.

Love does not insist on its own way;

it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice at wrong,

but rejoices in the right.

Love bears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things,

endures all things.

Love never ends.

1 Corinthians 13

Lord, because love is patient…

Help me to be slow to judge,

but quick to listen,

hesitant to criticize,

but eager to encourage,

remembering your endless patience with me.

Because love is kind…

Help my words to be gentle

and my actions to be thoughtful.

Remind me to smile and to say

“Please” and “Thank You”

because those little things

still mean so much.

Because love does not envy or boast, and it is not proud…

Help me have a heart that is humble and sees the good in others.

May I celebrate and appreciate all that I have and all that I am,

as well as doing the same for those around me.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking…Help me to speak words that are easy on the ear and on the heart.

When I’m tempted to get wrapped up in my own little world, remind me there’s a great big world out there full of needs and hurts.

Because love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs…Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me. When I want to hold onto a grudge, gently help me release it, so I can reach out with a hand of love instead.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth…Help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenceless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference.

Because love always protects and always trusts…

Help me to be a refuge for those around me.

When the world outside is harsh and cold, may my heart be a place of acceptance and warmth.

Finally, because love always perseveres…

Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others.

Thank you for showing us what the word love really means.

A prayer by Holley Gerth,, author of "The Powerful Purpose of Introverts:

Why the World Needs You to Be You", described as

"a deeply wise and trusted guide into what it means

to thrive as an introvert."

1 Corinthians 13 - "Laughingbird" Australian paraphrase of the Bible.

Best read in your most convincing antipodean voice.

"Love is willing to hang in there for the long haul; ........Love is always ready to do something for someone else; Love does not begrudge others their success; ........nor flaunt its own. Love is not arrogant or rude, ........it doesn’t force its own agendas ................and trample others down in the process. Love does not spit the dummy over every little thing ........or hold grudges and dream of revenge. Love takes no pleasure in dishonesty, however daring; ........but it is the first to celebrate truth and integrity. Love holds firm under pressure, ........keeps believing the best of others, ................maintains its hope when all seems lost, ........................and toughs it out, no matter what. Love is forever!