CHRIST DIARIES 005 : LOVING OTHERS ❤️

*This is a story from a trusted friend of mine*

https://youtu.be/gb8YW64dL5c?si=frEiO_fax-1vZ_R7

"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."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NKJV

Vaunteth : "Vaunteth" is an archaic term used in the King James Version of the Bible, particularly in 1 Corinthians 13:4. It means to boast, brag, or excessively praise oneself in a self-promoting or arrogant manner. In the context of the Bible, vaunting is seen as a negative trait that goes against the principles of humility, love, and selflessness taught by Christ.

If you love someone, you are patient with them. You do things for them, like rub their feet as Jesus did for his disciples. Love means being kind to them, and it extends beyond relationships or friendships. It is built on the foundation of someone’s character. Loving someone means being kind to them, no matter who they are. 

If you love someone, you should not be jealous of what they have or who you think they are. Jealousy only reveals your own insecurities. How can you truly love someone if you are not happy with who God created you to be? When you have love in your heart, you should not boast about what you have, making others feel less about themselves. Do not be proud, because pride often shows how much you loathe the person you are boasting to.

If you love someone, do not go out of your way to embarrass them or yourself. Love does not stray from being kind to those around it. Love is not easily angered. If you love someone, you shouldn’t get angry over insignificant things. If you have love in your heart, you should not think evil thoughts. Evil thinking shows hatred, which will consume you and lead you astray, down a path of destruction.

If you love someone, you should not keep a record of the things they have done wrong. You should have it in your heart to forgive and let God take care of the rest. Forgive not only for yourself but for the sake of the person who has wronged you. Love speaks truth. If you love someone, you will tell them the truth, no matter how hard it may be. You protect those you love, but it doesn’t mean tearing others down in the process.

You must trust to love. No man is an island. You have to open up to receive love and be able to give it back. Love hopes for brighter days to come and has faith in God’s plan. Love endures all things, because the strongest soldiers are forged through the hottest fires. No matter how hot the fire, you should still come out on the other side filled with love, compassion, and kindness. 

Loving someone means standing by them through thick and thin, supporting them in their endeavors, and celebrating their successes. It means being their rock when they need stability and their cheerleader when they need encouragement. Love is selfless, putting the needs and well-being of the loved one above your own desires and wants.

True love does not seek to control or manipulate. It respects boundaries and honors the individuality of the person loved. It acknowledges and appreciates their strengths while accepting their weaknesses without judgment. Love does not seek perfection but embraces imperfections as part of the beautiful human experience.

In loving someone, you are willing to make sacrifices. Sometimes, these sacrifices are small, like giving up the last slice of cake. Other times, they are significant, requiring you to make difficult choices and compromise for the sake of the relationship. These sacrifices, however, are made willingly and joyfully, for the happiness and well-being of the one you love.

Love is a constant, unwavering presence, not a fleeting emotion that comes and goes with circumstances. It remains steadfast in the face of adversity, providing comfort and solace during challenging times. Love is a refuge, a safe haven where both parties can find peace and understanding.

Ultimately, love is an active choice. It is not merely a feeling but a deliberate decision to act with kindness, patience, and understanding. It is a commitment to nurturing and growing the relationship, continually investing time, effort, and energy into making it stronger and more resilient. Love is a journey, not a destination, and it requires ongoing effort and dedication to thrive and flourish.

In all that I say, I have often done the opposite of what love represents. Many times, I am not patient or willing to do things for others, like cooking. I frequently prefer to be by myself, alone. Though I am kind, I have not shown my kindness to others because I always feel the need to isolate myself. Wanting what others have is jealousy, and I can admit to being jealous.

I have done things that have embarrassed both the other person and myself. I have cursed at them and been willing to fight them for something that was done to someone else, not even me. While I do not often get angry, when I do, I try to hold myself back because I know it is not in my heart to be angry over something so insignificant. However, it is the reaction you want the person on the receiving end to understand—that you are not to be played with. This behavior leads to people losing respect for you, fearing you, and often having nothing good to say about you.

Evil thoughts have crossed my mind at times. I think about what I might do if certain situations happen again. My mind goes to dark places because I am scared of these things happening again. I have let go of the past and forgiven those who have wronged me, but the people around me seem unable to do the same. They have a tendency to lash out and list all the wrongs I have done, making me feel guilty—guilty of actions taken out of anger because they felt betrayed, guilty of actions taken because I was overwhelmed and ready to explode, and I did so in the worst way possible, leading to a chain of ripple effects and consequences.

I have spoken the truth, but no one seems to believe me. Yet, it was the truth that got me into trouble. I fear the truth because of what might happen if I speak it. Trust is a necessity I lack to give to those around me. I lack trust because it scares me to open up, only to be broken again.

I dream of everything beautiful in this world, yet I lack hope that it will ever come true because I have a hard time staying committed to love. Love is not just a feeling; it is taking action—not only for family and friends but also for strangers and people who have no one else. Love is helping your community. Love is being kind, with kindness that comes genuinely from your heart. It is giving your last and trusting in God, that He will multiply the abundance over your life.

Love is enduring all the hurt, pain, and suffering. No matter how bright and high others may seem to be living, know that they are human just as we are. Do not idolize them. We are all human. Love is unconditional. Love knows no bounds because love is endless and boundless. Love everyone because everyone deserves to be loved. Love because it is the only true thing that will make you happy.

Writing this chapter, I have realized that I have not acted out of love in many things I have done. I acted out of resentment and pain. I believed that the pain and suffering I went through were meant for me, not because I was strong but because I was weak and never meant to be anything. 

Yet, through this reflection, I understand that love is about change and growth. It is about recognizing our flaws and striving to overcome them. Love is about forgiving ourselves for our past mistakes and committing to a path of compassion and kindness. It is about breaking the cycle of pain and choosing to act with love, even when it is difficult. 

True love is transformative. It requires us to look inward, to confront our demons, and to emerge stronger and more loving. It is about embracing vulnerability and trusting that we are worthy of love and capable of giving it. Love is about building bridges, not walls. It is about reaching out to others, offering support and understanding, and creating a community built on mutual respect and care.

In my journey, I will strive to embody these principles. I will work on being patient and kind, on letting go of jealousy and anger, and on opening my heart to trust and hope. I will remember that love is an ongoing process, one that requires continuous effort and dedication. And in doing so, I will find true happiness and fulfillment, knowing that I am living a life grounded in love.

This passage from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 describes the characteristics of true, unconditional love. It teaches that love is patient, kind, humble, selfless, forgiving, and truthful. Love is not envious, boastful, proud, or easily angered. It does not seek its own interests but cares for others. Love is characterized by protection, trust, hope, and perseverance. Ultimately, the passage concludes that love never fails, emphasizing the enduring and transformative power of genuine love in relationships and in reflecting God's love for us.

We can show love by following the example of Jesus Christ, who demonstrated love through His actions, teachings, and sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus' love was unconditional, extending grace and mercy to all, regardless of their flaws or sins. His life was a testament to the power of love in transforming lives and healing broken hearts. By emulating His example, we can bring light and hope to those around us.

We can show love by treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs. This means going out of our way to help those in need, offering a listening ear, and providing support without expecting anything in return. Love is about seeing the humanity in others and responding with empathy and care.

Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of love. We can show love by forgiving those who have wronged us, letting go of grudges, and moving forward with a clean heart. Forgiveness is not about condoning wrong actions but about freeing ourselves from the burden of resentment and allowing healing to take place. It is a powerful way to demonstrate the depth of our love and commitment to nurturing positive relationships.

Serving others selflessly is another way to show love. Whether through volunteering, offering a helping hand, or simply being present for someone in need, acts of service reflect the selflessness that true love embodies. These actions, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on the lives of others, showing them that they are valued and cared for.

Sharing the message of God's love and salvation is also an expression of love. By spreading the word of God's grace and the hope found in Jesus Christ, we invite others to experience the transformative power of divine love. This sharing can be done through words, but also through living a life that reflects the values and teachings of Christ.

Love is not just a feeling but an action that requires us to put others' needs above our own and to reflect the love that God has shown us. It involves making sacrifices, showing patience, and choosing to act with kindness even when it is difficult. Love is about commitment and perseverance, standing by others through thick and thin, and offering unwavering support.

Love also means being humble and recognizing that we are all flawed and in need of grace. It is about lifting others up rather than seeking to elevate ourselves. True love does not boast or seek recognition but finds joy in the happiness and well-being of others.

In relationships, love means being a source of strength and stability. It involves building trust through honesty and integrity, fostering hope through encouragement, and persevering through challenges together. Love is a powerful force that can mend broken relationships, heal wounds, and create lasting bonds.

Ultimately, love never fails. It is an enduring force that transcends time and circumstances. By embracing the principles of love outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, we can cultivate meaningful relationships, create a more compassionate world, and reflect the boundless love of God in our lives. Through love, we can transform not only our own hearts but also the hearts of those around us, making a lasting impact on the world.