Love Never Fails

It is always (I think at the time) at the most inopportune moment that Scriptures I have memorized pop into my head.

When I get upset with someone, lose my patience, want to give “friendly” advice, want to have credit given to me instead of someone else for something I did, want to prove myself right — a Scripture edges itself to the front of my head:

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 records 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

I always take issue with the Scripture and the conversation with God goes something like this:

Are you kidding me God?  This is not the time to be putting that Scripture in my head.  You know I should have gotten credit for that.  How come I have to be the one to apologize for getting angry?  It’s always me who goes first.  I’m not boasting.  I’m not proud.  I just want the credit due TO ME.

And the response from God this time is:

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.  Matthew 25:40

Another Scripture.  Another reminder that I am not flawless.  That I am imperfect.  And that in spite of the imperfections, He loves me.

I am reminded that 1 Corinthians 13 is the principle that my Father follows in His relationship with me. He asks that I give to others what He has given to me.

It sounds simple on the surface but in practice is sometimes hard for me.

Yet, He’s right and I thank Him for reminding me.  A reminder that I shouldn’t need every day but somehow I do.  He gently tells me it’s okay.  And I compose myself, remembering who I represent, and repair any damage I may have done in my relationships.