Snapshots of a Disciple A look at love in action 1st Corinthians 13:1 Hello brothers, sisters, and friends, So, Ive

e heard 1st Corinthians 13 taught on by many people and from a variety of viewpoints. I dont intend to cover it extensively, but would like to look at it for myself and youre welcome to join me :) ~ My main interest is not so much of what is a good definition of love, but what love looks like in action. And, thats just the reason I see 1st Corinthians 13 so fascinating to me, right now, because its not a definition as well see along the way. What 1st Corinthians 13 is, in reality, is more like a working model and a spiritual mirror for those who follow Christ to check themselves. At any rate, I plan on this being a pretty brief study. And with that said, lets dive into it :) Im looking at 1st Corinthians 13 in the NKJV from www.blueletterBible.org. Okay, first verse: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (1st Corinthians 13:1-3) I think we all know that we can do a lot of things that serve and care for others without actually caring about them personally a person and a soul. We need to remember Romans 12 Let love be without hypocrisy. (Romans 12:9) And we see this again in 1st Peter 1 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart (1st Peter 1:22) We need to notice 3 phrases there sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently, and with a pure heart. What stands out to me is that all of those phrases emphasize genuinely loving others, like He loves us, and learning to love with sincerity, rather than loving them for what we get back (conditional love). The word love here in 1st Corinthians 13 is the word for unconditional love agape, and it describes the unconditional love that God has for us not because we are somehow lovely and deserve it, but despite the fact that we observe it. In 1st John, God through the apostle John notes: We love Him because He first loved us. (1st John 4:19) And again in Romans 5, we see this at a deeper level. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) The word sinners there could (and likely should) be more translated rebel, since that is what the word speaks of. So, while we were rebels, Christ died for us, though only some heed His call to repent, turn from their sin and grow in obedient faith, digging deeper in His Word, daily. And again in Isaiah 53, a passage thats dear to my heart (and Im sure many of your hearts), God describes love in action, displayed in the person of Jesus Christ. He is

despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. And they made His grave with the wicked -- but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. (Isaiah 53:3-9) That is what the Creator (incarnated in human flesh) went through. His own creation (us) beat Him beyond recognition, tore out His beard, beat the crown of long thorns deep into His head, called Him all sort of names, cast at Him all sorts of insults, then stripped Him of most of His clothing and and shamed Him even more by crucifying Him as a criminal, between two criminals. Yet, what does verse 7 say? yet He opened not His mouth ~ what a statement! How did He endure all of that? He endured the more than any of us could ever endure how did He do all of that, for our sin? Hebrews 12 reminds us why: looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) that is genuine, undiluted, uncompromising, unconditional love in action. May we always remind ourselves of this most beautiful picture so picturesque that its hard to even describe, much less to find words to give His character the honor He deserves. So, love that kind of love, is what the first verse in 1st Corinthians 13 is talking about. And, it also hits on some of the chaos among the charismatics and people around the globe - for when many of them (and us) do all of sorts of religious and caring things, yet they (and/or we) dont have genuine love for those around us (in the body of Christ and of the world), then all that they/we do though it looks cheerful, loving and right - all of it is noise, to God, those in the body of Christ, and to the world. We need to really get grasp on that, so that we can grow in it (me included!) :).

Snapshots of a Disciple A look at love in action 1st Corinthians 13:2 Hello brothers, sisters, and friends, Hello brothers and sisters in Christ, and friends, Were back to our study of 1st Corinthians 13. Okay, picking up in verse two. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1st Corinthians 13:2) The word prophecy there is talking about having Gods insight to predict something in the future a gift that is not genuinely around anymore, because the Scriptures have been written. But, bringing this into perspective, God through Paul is reminding us that even if we can foretell the future accurately for the edification of the body of Christ, and yet if we lack the essential and simple agape love for those we are talking to, we are nothing! It doesnt matter if we look good on stage or behind a pulpit or on the streets or in one-2-one conversations - because if our lifestyle is about pleasing me that love is hypocritical and the message is hollow, even it sounds eloquent. And, please notice that Paul didnt stop there. He also noted that even if he could understand all mysteries all possibly Biblical doctrines all of theology (which is very hard for a finite brain to understand an infinite God, Creator, Judge and Lord) but, even if he could understand everything there is to know and have all knowledge its completely and totally hollow (to God and others) if there is not a genuine love for the people we are talking with. Sadly, I think this applies to many today, and this may step on your toes too dont worry, it steps on mine as well :) ~ Brethren, it doesnt matter how much doctrine we can quote or how many Bible scholars works we have memorized - if we do not care about the people we are talking to not just on Sundays or whenever we meet to study the Bible, but everyday. And what about our families? Again, it doesnt matter if we look great on stage and can answer every question thrown at us if we dont care about the souls and the spiritual well-being of the people we are talking to and with, especially those at home. I have seen too many big leaders who are so proud that they think theyre something and they only care about their little clique, and it just proves that the only thing they care about is their pride. When I see it, I try to pray that God would humble them, and He often does the same for me which hurts, but for which Im extremely grateful, because on Judgment Day, I only want to hear one kind of welcome: Well done (Matthew 25:21,23). I think we, as a body of Christ forget (by accident or busy-ness), or intentionally ignore the fact that there will probably be many who enter Heavens gates, to then see all of their lifes busywork burn up in smoke, yet their soul was saved so as by fire (1st Corinthians 3:15). And, even worse what about those who self-deceived themselves all of their lives that they were a believer and did many (note that word) good deeds and helpful things for the body of Christ and people in general, yet, they wont even be welcome

in Heaven and will shockingly hear Depart from Me, I never knew you, you who practice lawlessness. (Matthew 7:21-23) Those are, I believe some of the most chilling words in Scripture absolutely chilling. And I think, we as a culture too often overlook the main little four-letter word in it: many. We forget that that word could include us. The solution? Re-engage in Gods Word and prayer, asking Him to teach us to love what He loves, hate what He hates, and how to love people as He loves us. You may remember that in our study in 1st Timothy 3 (that grew out of our study in Matthew 13), we were at the point of talking about the novice who fell into the same condemnation as the Devil. Notice that the same condemnation thats scary. Could it happen to you or me? Dont know, but I know this, wed better stay vigilant and watchful so that it doesnt describe us. And, by the way, heres the text Im referring to: A bishop then must be blameless, not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. (1st Timothy 3:1,6) ~ Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride (as Satan was/is too), he falls into the same condemnation as the Devil. Does anyone catch the gravity that lays on us? That is another heavy passage, one which we MUST learn from, so that we are shocked when we see Christ. Brother, sister, friend please allow me to ask you something that might just change your whole lifes direction as others have done for me. Do you have someone who keeps you accountable on the subject of pride, according the Bible? Im blessed to have a few that He uses in most wonderful way in my life and I pray [when Im humble :)] I pray that God will always keep people in my life who can graciously yet to-the-point correct me or gently show me a huge blind spot, so that I dont become worthless to Christ, my Master and Savior. And one of my regular prayers is asking God to keep me humble, because its my main desire to please Christ, not avoid pain. So, though Im certainly not perfect on this subject, but growing - my question to you, is do you have one? Do you have an accountability partner who helps you stay humble and helps you find the right questions to stay close to God? That person could be your wife or husband. That person could be a family member brother or sister. That person could be a brother or sister in Christ, a co-worker, a church leader. If you cannot identify one, Im requesting that you, for your eternal souls sake and wellbeing, ask your Creator to provide you with one. But, the next part here is the hardest for you and me daily learn to not push them away when they are asking the hard questions. That preaches to me, as Im sure it encourages you too. Dont push them away as the children of Israel did in the wilderness, when they hardened their hearts in rebellion against the very God and Creator who had brought them out of slavery in Egypt. They complained about the amazing provisions that God had given them, and God struck many dead because of their constant grumbling against their Creator (1st Corinthians 10:10). Thats a lesson we can learn from in this overlyabundant, all-too-comfortable, and lazy culture. We are coming up to ThanksGiving, and I can personally tell you that this life is hard for all of us. Yet, we need to (as God is using people to teach me) we need to

continue to grow in gratitude for all of the wonderful provisions we receive from our Creator. I hope you will join me in working and intentionally growing in this its quite a battle, but one worth fighting. :) Okay, Ive stepped on my toes a bunch, but, I hope we continue to grow in humility, so that we will receive a warm welcome into Heaven, as well as continue to be useful to Christ each and every day of our lives. Okay, back to 1st Corinthians 13:2 it doesnt matter how much knowledge we have or how much it looks like we serve people, if we dont care about them. Paul fills in more detail on this in the next verse, as well. Lets look at that next time :) Take care, your growing brother and friend, SH

Snapshots of a Disciple A look at love in action 1st Corinthians 13:3 Hello brothers, sisters, and friends, Okay, weve had some great conversations lately. Now, lets pick up in verse 3 of 1 st Corinthians 13. Now, as we continue to look at this, lets just keep in mind that our focus is studying the text about love but its not loves definition its love in action. Meaning 1st Corinthians 13 gives us a working model to help us identify ourselves, if we are walking in Gods agape love or not. So, with that thought, lets look at verse 3 ~ and for those who need/want a digital Bible for this times study heres BlueLetterBible: (www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Cr&c=13&v=1&t=NKJV). Okay, here we go. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (1st Corinthians 13:3) Wow, there is a lot in this verse, yes? Quick how many philanthropists can you list off the top of your head? Bill Gates come to manys minds, as does Jimmy Buffet and Steve Jobs and many others right, as the world looks at it - many other multibillionaires are considered philanthropists (but some of that might just be because they have good press people and advertisers :P). Okay, so how much money have they given? Millions possibly tens of millions maybe even hundreds of millions, and a few have probably given billions, right? Many are giving much money to send food to Africa and the areas of Indonesia where they were just hit by another strange tsunami, and helping education (which isnt helping our public schools any) etc. At first that looks great, right? But, have you studied the beliefs of some of these people some of them really do believe the evolution lie and others believe in very strange and perverted gods. Of course, those who believe in evolution, believe that its survival of the fittest. So, is their gift genuine? Well, thats debatable because they are sending GMO foods(genetically altered foods that destroy on the inside). That doesnt sound good. But, lets take the what if that they are sending top quality food (which theyre not) and helping people get top quality and honest education (which theyre not) but, lets just take the what if. What if they were doing all the right things with no hidden agendas are they doing anything to help the people for eternity? You see thats what I see that comes out very clearly here in verse 3. It does not matter if they sacrifice their whole lives helping people and meeting their physical and emotional needs, if they are not sharing the truth of Gods Word its nothing. Some may say uh, Steven, havent you gotten off topic? Good question. Lets look at a couple of verses, and I think youll see whats got my attention recently. So, turn with me, if you will to Ephesians 4, verse well theres a lot there, but specifically, lets look at verse 14. that we should no longer be children, tossed

to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the headChrist (Eph. 4:14-15) Did you catch that one phrase: speaking the truth in love ~ and I admit theres much richness here in Ephesians 4, but we dont have time to cover it this time just note that one phrase if you will. And, that word love is the same word agape unconditional love, as we saw and talked about in verse 1 same word. Notice that God here combines speaking the truth and agape love. Okay, now lets flip over to Romans 12, verse 9. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9) Yes, again the word love is the word agape, and the word hypocritical is the word for real not faked, genuine not an act. This is God through the apostle Paul warning us about fake love. That is what 1st Corinthians 13 has been talking about how we can do all these good things, and yet if theres not love in our hearts genuine love, not faked love, in our hearts, then its all for nothing were wasting our time. Okay, now that was talking about those who dont know Christ. What about us those of us who know and are growing in following Christ? Is it possible that we too could do righteous deeds that will be empty? Of course. So, how do we show genuine love? We just saw that answer in Ephesians 4 what was it? speaking the truth in love Make sense now? Now, what is the most important truth or package of truth that we can possibly share with others? Agape love? Haha, yes, but in an eternal sense, in light eternity what is the most important truth that we can possibly share with people? The Gospel, right? The good news. What is the good news? Well, lets look at it in 3 verses. .. haha, so thats really hard to do to boil the most important message of Scripture down to 3 passages, but, lets look at passages to find the most important truth to share with people. You ready? Okay, lets start First, lets start in Matthew 28. Matthew 28, verse 18. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20) ~ The very important last words of Jesus have 3 points to them 1> make disciples of Jesus, reasoning with everyone you meet and talk with working to convince them to follow Christ and give Him their lives 2> baptizing them publicly identifying with Jesus back then could get you killed, and in some countries it still does today its an important act of obedience after the genuine heart change that comes from becoming a new creation in Christ. 3> teaching them to observe all that Hes commanded us ~ whats that mean? As we are able, take people back to Jesus words and study Jesus words with them,

teaching them to follow Christ, and what that looks like in real life. People say that they think Im doing well at this Id like to turn that thought around to a question for you how well are you doing this? :) Lets all grow in these important truths, okay? Okay, second passage lets turn to Mark 8, verse 34. When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8:34-38) The good news is that those who repent and turn from their sins, giving their lives to Jesus counting the cost, will not only gain eternal life and never be put to shame, but they then can and should grow closer to Him here and earn rewards and a warm welcome when they see Him when theyre work here is done. And that leads to the third passage lets look at Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19) A close fourth would be 2nd Corinthians 5 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2nd Corinthians 5:17) another wonderful rich passage. ~ So those 3 passages are among many that capture the good news. And, as we saw above, if we take care of the poor, yet do not show genuine love to people, including sharing Gods truth with them everything is in vain. And, on judgment day all of those good deeds will go up in smoke. 1st Corinthians 3, puts it this way: For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1st Corinthians 3:11-16) a most sobering passage for some, but exciting for those who are faithful in growing in obedience to our Master and Savior Jesus Christ. Okay, back to 1st Corinthians 13:3 to wrap up And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. It doesnt matter if we give all of our possessions away, or if we feed every hungry person, or if we even are martyred for Christ (burn for Him) ~ if we do not genuinely

care about the people we are talking with, including in an eternal sense, it profits them and us nothing. Genuine love isnt just taking care of physical needs, but helping people find peace with God. Matthew 5 reminds us of that: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9) Those who help people get right with God make peace with Him, are genuine peacemakers and sons of God. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. (1st John 3:1) When people give money and stuff to needy people yet do not teach them about the real God and Creator, they have done nothing in light of eternity. However, when people give money, food, and stuff to needy people and share the gospel by word or a tract or a Bible, they have reached that person temporarily and in light of eternity. That is what is meant by us being salt and light in this dark uncaring world. And that is the model that the early churches had and that we have lost. I believe we need to regain it! Whos with me? :) Okay, by way of review, I believe we need these 3 truths to get into our hearts and lives, for I believe these are the core message of the Bible and the gospel. I believe that these are 3 most important truths we must always teach and remind ourselves and our friends and brethren: 1> Fear of the Lord (Job 28:28, Proverbs 1:7, Acts 9:31) the healthy strong-respect of God that drives us away from anything that is evil 2> Genuine repentance (2nd Chronicles 7:14, Matthew 7:13-, 21-23, Acts 3:19) 3> Obedient Faith (Luke 6:46, John 14:15-24, 1st John 1:5-9) And with that, I look forward to picking up on verse 4, here in our walk through 1 st Corinthians 13, sometime soon. Im learning a lot through this that is changing me on the inside causing me to re-look at things, and how I might be able to reach people more effectively with the Word of God, calling them to become bondslaves of Jesus. ~ I hope its a blessing to you too. Till next time, lets keep growing deeper in His Word, and in passionate bold obedience to Him, and in sharing His truth with those around us! ~ your growing brother/friend, SH

Snapshots of a Disciple A look at love in action 1st Corinthians 13:4 Hello brothers, sisters, and friends :) Welcome back to my little study through 1st Corinthians 13! Glad you could join me. This chapter so much describes and so much doesnt describe me in the details. Im growing in it, but wow! This stuff is deep. I hope its also a blessing to you. As I study this, I see that Im a frail human who too often does what comes natural to me (rebellion, revenge, etc), and yet I dont want to stay there. I want to keep growing to be conformed to the image of Christ to walk in His footsteps, to be like Him. If youre reading this, Im sure you feel the same. Let us remember not to give up for God did not give us His Word to condemn us, but to teach us how to grow, closer to Him and more like Him. ~ :) Okay, so, weve already seen a bit of depth to introduce what love looks like in the first three verses of 1st Corinthians 13. So, before we start, lets review what weve seen so far, before we pick up in verse 4. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. (1st Corinthian 13:1) ~~ This chapter is about not loves definition, but its a picture of love in action. It starts with the purest form of love Gods love agape. And, this word is the Greek word agape meaning absolutely unconditional love. That is the only kind of love that those of this world dont understand and cannot give, until they repent from their rebellion, surrender their lives to Jesus and become new creations in Christ starting a journey of growing in being a follower of Christ. This kind of love can only come from God not us. So we have to be in close communion and harmony with Christ to even have this love. And for us to get this kind of love, we must always keep in our minds the awesome yes, awesome display of love that Jesus showed. His example and manifestation of love is so magnificent. So much so, that words fail to describe it. That is the example we must study diligently so that we might walk in His footsteps and love others like He loves us. :) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1st Corinthians 13:2) ~~ It doesnt matter if we can preach well, serve well, teach well, and do ministry in general well if we do not love the family that God has given us and the people we are talking with, its all for nothing empty noise clanging cymbals, and we are nothing of not much use (at that time). It does not matter if we can speak eloquently to large audiences or have the brilliant presence of mind to be able to answer every question posed to us if we do not care about the people we are talking with, the people we work with, and our family ~ its empty noise its hollow. We must love the people we preach to! That takes intentional growth in patience and self-control on our part and its worth it! We

must care about the souls of the people we talk with. We must love those around us its not an accident, it takes persistence and faithfulness in the details. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (1st Corinthians 13:3) ~~ It does not matter if we had all of the billions of the world at our disposal, we can still waste it all (in light of eternity). And, we can fail in 2 ways: 1> if we give to others yet do not genuinely care about those whom we are trying to help, our help is meaningless. And, 2> if we work hard to meet the physical needs of those around us, yet do not take care of their soul, by telling them of repentance and Jesus, and/or helping them to grow closer to Him weve done nothing in light of eternity. Yes, thats right nothing. Im sure thats a painful thought for you and it is to me too. But we do need to recognize it and change accordingly. Everywhere Jesus went, He met physical and spiritual needs He never just the met physical needs, because this body is going to die. And those of us who are adopted sons and daughters of the King of Kings are to be constantly and consistently growing as peacemakers peacemakers, that is, who help people make peace with God. That is, we need to continue to grow in helping people see how theyre offending a holy God and how to change more of their lifestyle to please Him! *** Okay, with that brief review, lets dig into verse 4. Love suffers long and is kind (1st Corinthians 13:4) ~ Lets look at that a little deeper, word by word. Love, as weve talked about before is agape unconditional, unchanging love. Thats something that describes God, but doesnt describe us very well! God loves truth and people unconditionally. And that means that He hates rebellion against Him and what is right because our rebellion destroys us and His holy presence cannot tolerate sin. I should say sin is consumed in His presence. And yet, even though He hates sin and how we mistreat Him, He continues to extend His love to all some accept, some reject. Please note, Im not talking about salvation here just the quality of love that is described in this passage. :) Okay next phrase suffers long. Now, when Ive read this, Ive caught the patience side of this and thats been helpful. But, I didnt catch what that theres two concepts in this word its pretty cool! :) ~ Heres what it says: 1) to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart; a) to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles; b) to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others; 1) to be mild and slow in avenging; 2) to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish ~ [my notes: thats Strongs Concordance notes a handy little feature in the Interlinear Scripture Analyzer which you can download for free at: www.scripture4all.org ~ I think youll enjoy it as much as I do! Its small, fairly easy

to use and (I think) very helpful. If you need help setting it up to work efficiently and you think I can help, just ask! :) ~] Okay, so 2 things we can notice from that: 1> genuine love [Gods love] is not quick to respond/attack, and 2> genuine love [Gods love] also doesnt give up on people (unlike us who do). Both of those are wrapped up in the phrase: suffers long. I think it easily links to the phrase in verse 5 is not easily provoked (1st Corinthians 13:5). To see both perspectives of this verse, lets look at a couple of more verses on each :) A fool's wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame. (Proverbs 12:16) A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated. (Proverbs 14:17) He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly. (Proverbs 14:29) A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20) Okay, so thats a few verses about what we do when we are quick to get angry, shorttempered, and quickly impatient. And it also starts to give us an idea of what we should grow in understanding what patience is and growing in it. ~ Now, lets contrast our natural tendency to respond wrongly, by looking briefly at what Jesus did when He was in situations like we are - so that we might walk in His steps ~ :) He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. (Isaiah 53:7) ~ That is the Master of the Universe displaying true love in harsh affliction. Remember, He tells us to bless and not curse those who hurt us (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28, Romans 12:14) very hard to do in our strength, but we must keep growing yes? :) Again Christs example for us to grow in following: For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who [Jesus] committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1st Peter 2:21-25)

And a similar passage with a different angle that also enhances the our understanding of how Jesus maintained His obedience and agape love. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11) Jesus deserved nothing that He went through absolutely none of it. Talk about grace under fire! Jesus did it. And He calls us to grow in that too. How did He do it? Humility. Jesus kept a humble perspective of Himself a far cry different from what we too often do and what the world does all the time boasting ourselves as though were something great But, what does the Scripture say? For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3) Now, if you [like me] are feeling just a little inadequate right now, then good :). You say good? Haha! Yes. :) Why? Because, when we think much of ourselves and that were doing well, were not doing as well as we thought we are. But, when we constantly keep a remembrance of our rebellion, and the things we want to grow to leave behind remembering that we arent something special, but wanting to be faithful to our Master and Savior Jesus, the Messiah then and only then are we walking in true humility. So, if weve been humbled by these passages and look down in shame, then our hearts truly are contrite and that humility is pleasing to God. :) However, we must not stay there we must continue to hold onto that attitude of humility, yet not moving to the position of condemning ourselves and giving up. No, we must when confronted with our sins, come to God and repent, ask Him to forgive us and teach us not to live like that anymore, and then grow in living differently even working on thinking differently. Growing more in not thinking like the world does, but growing in thinking more like Christ does in essence, growing in thinking Biblically. ~ And, that is an uphill path one of blessing through trials and hardship, with the opportunity of future wonderful rewards :) And one more verse before we transition to part 2 of that definition: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1st John 1:9) ~ This is by far one of the most valuable verses to me! Please notice, in case you didnt catch it this time in reading it that when we confess and forsake the sins we do see that we are doing (not wanting to do them anymore), then God not only forgives us of those, but also of the sins that we are doing that we didnt even know about yet. Thats complete restoration, and the opportunity not for a second chance to prove ourselves, but another opportunity to

take the next step and continue growing and in fellowship with God, our Creator! Now, thats special! So, on the subject of not losing heart and giving up ~ lets look at a couple of passages on that subject since that is included in the definition of suffering long ~ so that we might gain encouragement for the Scriptures, strengthening ourselves in His Word! Ready? Okay, :) Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1) ~ The Greek word for not losing heart is not the same word as in 1st Corinthians 13:4, but similar, and obviously the same encouragement is implied. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. (2nd Corinthians 4:16) A passage that ends with a life-verse for me: Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:7-9) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?... (Hebrews 12:1-7) ~ None of us like chastening, but let us also take this passage to heart, so that we do not get weary and give up. And let us remember 3 things from this passage: 1> many have faithfully gone before us, leaving us an example in Scriptures for us to learn from, 2> those of us who are followers of Christ, we have many fellow brothers and sisters all around us were not alone and thats good news :), and 3> If we get in trouble when we do what we know is wrong, that shows that God loves us embrace it! God doesnt discipline Satans children as Hebrews 12 goes on to explain. And, based on the measure we prove faithful here on Earth, will affect our level of rewards and leadership in the eternal Kingdom of Jesus, forever and ever. Then we will find the full definition of His rest! Till then, I say, based on Scriptures, lets keep growing!

So, this concludes todays study into 1st Corinthians specifically looking at verse 4 today. I hope and pray its been a blessing to you, as its been to me. It comes at a much needed time! :) Till next time, this is your growing brother/friend, a learner at the feet of Jesus. Lets continue to lift His wonderful and matchless Name high! ~ SH :)

Snapshots of a Disciple A look at love in action 1st Corinthians 13:5 Hello brothers, sisters, and friends :)

Okay. So weve Also, for more encouragement, go back and read the testimonies of faithful men before us many are found in Hebrews 11. :)

Pride shows itself in many ways unrighteous anger, hatred, jealousy, envy, revenge, unforgiveness, bitterness, boasting, flattery, gossip, slander. Those are just symptoms of pride. Here are 2 verses that we need to always remember. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:8) for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere [carnally-minded] men? (1st Corinthians 3:3) Scribes and pharisees blowing trumpet when they gave, etc