Before you start reading this devotional, think of a person in your life who is the spitting image of love. If you can not think of anyone you know personally, create someone. This person can be a friend, a partner, a co-worker, whoever. When thinking of this person, ask yourself, do they embody trust, love, and loyalty? Does this person always show you kindness? Are their intentions pure, and do their words reflect their actions? Does this person comfort you in times of darkness, and are they someone you can talk to about anything?
Once you’ve chosen your person, I want you to read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 in the next paragraph. While reading, I want you to replace the word “love” (or “it”) with the person’s name.
And it reads, “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.”
Did the person you used for this exercise conform to each blank? If so, great, keep them around! If not, that is perfectly fine too. Love has such a broad meaning, and each of us has a different definition. It doesn’t mean just one thing. People express and receive love in different ways. Some people show their love by way of giving gifts. Others prefer to display their love through words of affirmation. Luckily for us, God is love. The Lord displays love in all of these ways and more. His love is insurmountable and everlasting. When you’re looking for love in a way one person can’t display it, God can. If you find yourself being disappointed in yourself or upset with something you did, God isn’t. When you find yourself becoming worried or impatient, remember that God has the answer. He already knows the outcome, and everything He is doing in your life is done with love. God loves you. Surround yourself with people who love you.
Remember, God is in all things, meaning so is love. You just have to look. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
Now re-read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and instead of using the person’s name, use God.
“God is patient, God is kind. God does not envy, God does not boast, God is not proud. God does not dishonor others, God is not self-seeking, God is not easily angered, God keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Related Bible Verses
Concluding Thoughts
I encourage you today to tell someone you love them in whatever way you see fit. It does not have to be the exact words “I love you”, but show someone you love them. Plan a date, make a call, send a text, whatever, just do something. After all, it’s what the Lord has called us to do. (Romans 12:10)
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of love. Love is in all things and so are You. We thank You for all the ways You display Your love for us. We’re grateful Your protection and your kindness. We thank You for Your grace and Your mercy. We thank You for this beautiful life You’ve granted us. We know that no matter what stage or season of life we’re in, Your love will always prevail. Today, tomorrow, and forever. We’re blessed and more thankful than we could ever express. We love You. Amen.
Devotional Summary
- Think of or create a person who represents love, and ask yourself: Do they love as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says?
- God is love
- Conclusion + Prayer
Unshakable Seeds 
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