Love never ends - October 16

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 1, 2, 3; PM Psalm 4, 7; Jer. 36:11-26; 1 Cor. 13:(1-3)4-13; Matt. 10:5-15

More weddings than not invoke the words of Paul to the community of believers in Corinth.  His passage on love is one of the more familiar passages in all of Holy Scripture.  I especially like the passage in verse 8, “Love never ends.”  I had the privilege of preaching at two funerals last week, one of a long-time member of our community and the other a family member through marriage.   The gift of walking with families through funerals is the window into their lives and the window into the life of the deceased. It’s a gift to witness others authentically share about the person they love. 

Maybe it’s me, but I often think most about the impact that love has on me.  What does it feel like to be loved by someone else, or my children, spouse, or parents?  But our outward expression of love has qualities that transform the world.  Our love for others changes their lives too.  I know because I hear it at every single funeral and it’s the hope at every wedding.  We hope that love will transform the couple, forever.

Love never ends, because we are different every day because our lives are consistently being molded by the people who love us. Maybe you behave differently because you love your children or your spouse. Maybe you become less selfish because of your love and in turn, those who receive your love become more grateful and humble forever altering the course of their life too. Love never ends.  It is always changing us. 

The love that God has for each of us should be no different.  We too are always changing.  We should not be the same person tomorrow that we are today.  And that’s a good thing.  Because love never ends.  So if you aren’t completely pleased with yourself today, tomorrow is a new day.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  How has your life been permanently altered by someone’s love towards you?