I have been reluctant for some time to dive into the blog world because I never wanted to be another loud irritating voice of dissension and hurt. I finally did dive in recently but with the goal and challenge to inspire and stimulate thinking that is deeper.
My last blog “Legal Never Meant Moral” was not a jab at one side of the current issue about same sex marriage but a challenge for either side to look deeper for our source of morality. I have been seeing the phrase “Love wins” and wanted to look at 1 Corinthians 13 and write it for my own reminder. My fight is not against people with different beliefs or legislation but with my own struggle to love God and others with all of me. I hope it inspires us all.
If I speak and write with beautiful words that inspire people, but do not have love, I am only a loud noise in the social media space and in the pulpit.
If I have the gift of insight and wisdom to look ahead for people and can unpack the deepest of biblical theologies and have spiritual knowledge, and even if I have a faith that can move people toward doing great things, but do not have love, I am nothing. Love loses.
If I give all I possess to the poor and give my life to working hard and not living comfortably but sacrificing with others, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love loses.
Love wins when I love people who don’t love me.
Love wins when I love when I am right and even when I am wrong.
Love wins when I love and engage with those who don’t believe like I do.
Love wins when I forgive those who harm me.
Love wins when my acts of love look like Jesus.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. It always wins.
[taken and phrased from 1 Corinthians 13]
Troy A Murphy 