Leviticus 13

Matthew 26:26-50

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16

We live in a world that celebrates people who seem to stand above the rest. What would the world look like if people were not worshipped for their ability to communicate, educate or donate, but were measured by their ability to love others well? The Apostle Paul writes, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour 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” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

When Paul wrote “love is patient,” he meant love is not in a hurry or a rush. Some of us can become unsettled when we have to wait for something; or when others get in our way, we become rude, impatient and just lash out. We may be extremely educated and smart, but are we using our knowledge to build others up around us? Love is also kind. While we may be a good communicator in the boardroom and others are amazed by how we string words together, do we go home and tear down our spouse and children afterwards? Kindness is not just for those who can further our goals, but for those who see us at our lowest.

Paul continues to explain that biblical love keeps us from boasting and being proud, even for those of us who are affirmed at work and honoured at home. This is because the call is not to some checklist of right behaviour, but an overhaul of the attitude of the heart. Yet, it is scary how easily wrong behaviour, thought or sentiment can creep into our life.

Although the reality is that we live in a world where people are looking to make a name for themselves, to contribute and stand out from the rest, if the pursuit is for our own greatness at the cost of loving others well, then it is destined to fail in the things that really matter in life. Why? Because Jesus calls us to something higher: to fix our eyes on His incarnate love and let Him teach us what it means to live into His love and to reflect it to the world around us. The bottom line is that love is not self-centred; it is others-centred. It puts the needs of others ahead of our own not in a way that seeks to call attention to ourselves for how sacrificial we are, but in a genuine way to build others up.

May we reflect on our own life: how well are we at loving those around us? What is the motivation behind our love—is it to make a name for ourselves or to build others up?

Dear God, I confess that I do not love others well, as I can get easily provoked and lash out at others. I pray that You will help me to love others as You have loved me. Thank You, Lord.