The Greatest of These Is Love

Love never fails.

1 Cor.13:8

The greatest of these is love.

1 Cor.13:13

But what a battleground love bestows...

Matt.22:36-40

Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God 

with all your heart 

and with all your soul 

and with all your mind.’[a] 

38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 

39 And the second is like it:

 ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 

40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The challenge...1 John 2:15-17

Do not love the world 

or the things in the world. 

If anyone loves the world, 

the love of the Father is not in him. 

16For all that is in the world—

the lust of the flesh, 

the lust of the eyes, 

and the pride of life—

is not of the Father but is of the world.

  17And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; 

but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Love is always a daunting topic to try to tackle

and tame into ink-jots...

But love forgives love's shortcomings and stumbles/fumbles

Love is patient and kind.

Love is life's greatest joy and sorrow~

Esp. a mother's love...

This poem by Helen Steiner Rice captures it so eloquently...

So, here's to another day of learning to love!

Yesterday a few friends/moms gathered

around a beautiful table set with tea and treats and

shared among many things

 some heart-to-heart hopes and hurts of love.

I could kick myself for not getting a picture

of her thoughtfully, beautifully laid table!

I did get a few pictures of her pretty windows though.

Love breaks barriers, mends bridges

Lends a willing, helping hand

Wakes us to mercies God gives us

Fits us for each day’s demand

Startles us with sweet contentment

When gratitude conquers greed

Surrenders futile resentment

In the light of fellow-need

Love gives life its fullest fortune

Overflowing treasure stores

That will be unveiled in heaven

After earth closes its doors

Love is a double-edged saber

Sparking duals constantly

Is it ‘God first then my neighbor’

If I test love honestly?

Love is foolproof faith in action

The fulfillment of God’s call

Proving its foremost attraction

By who we serve first of all

Love is patient, kind and humble

Love is not vile and uncouth

Love does not delight in evil

But rejoices in the truth

Love is not a careless pledger

Not given to reckless mirth

Love is conscious of a ledger

That records our days on earth

Thus, Love oft must test thought’s impulse

Probe beneath first-glance façade

To the heart of motive’s scruples

Love of self or love of God

© Janet Martin