Sacred Whispers Blog

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NKJV)

“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 22:37–39 (NKJV)

Have you ever asked God for something, only to find yourself in what feels like a Masterclass? You pray for patience, and suddenly you’re raising a child who’s always running late. Or perhaps you’re working with an employee who needs constant reminders to complete tasks. Maybe you start teaching about boundaries in Sunday school, only to discover the need to create boundaries with your own adult child.

In these scenarios, God often answers our prayers for growth by giving us opportunities to practice what we’ve asked for. At the heart of every Masterclass, there’s a common theme: love.

THE LESSONS OF LOVE

In 1 Corinthians 13, often called the “Love Chapter,” we learn not only what love is but also how it manifests in our lives. Love is patient and kind. It isn’t proud, rude, or self-seeking. It bears all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. These qualities challenge us to reflect on how we love those around us, especially when it’s difficult.

When we love, we seek the best for others, even when it means navigating disappointment or frustration. Loving your chronically late child might mean helping them discover what’s causing their struggle with time management. Loving your employee may mean sitting down to understand how they approach tasks, so you can better guide them.

Love doesn’t eliminate feelings of anger, frustration, or disappointment. Instead, it channels them constructively. It might mean asking yourself WWJD, (What would Jesus do?) How can I be kind to this person who isn’t meeting my expectations?

Sometimes love requires showing someone how to improve. Other times, it means recognizing that they’re in the wrong position and gently guiding them toward a better fit. It might even mean saying “no” to your adult children’s request, allowing them to learn the lessons God is trying to teach them.

LOVING AS GOD LOVES

God set the ultimate example of love. When humanity sinned, resisted Him, and failed to meet His expectations, He responded not with condemnation but with grace. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us what love looks like in action.

Jesus was patient with His disciples, even when they struggled to understand His teachings. He was kind to those society deemed unworthy. He bore the guilt of our sins and chose to serve others instead of seeking recognition for Himself. He was a living embodiment of truth, humility, and love.

Consider these words from Martin Luther King Jr.: “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” Jesus exemplified this transformative love by serving those who opposed Him and offering grace to those who hated him.

If Jesus went through a Masterclass of Love for us, how can we do any less? He calls us to follow His example, to love not only when it’s easy but also when it’s challenging.

LOVE IN ACTION

Loving someone doesn’t always align with our expectations. It often requires sacrifice, humility, and trust in God’s plan. True love seeks the best for others, even when it’s hard to discern or doesn’t match our vision.

This kind of love transforms our relationships. It compels us to act with kindness, even when we’re frustrated. It teaches us to listen, guide, and support those who depend on us. Most importantly, it reflects God’s love for us.

As you navigate your own Masterclass, remember that God equips us for these moments. He doesn’t leave us to figure it out alone. His Spirit guides us, His Word teaches us, and His love sustains us.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the ultimate Teacher of Love.  Lord, we acknowledge our shortcomings in loving others the way You have loved us.  Give us strength to bear with one another, to forgive one anther, and to seek the best for those You’ve placed in our lives. When we are frustrated or disappointed, remind us of Jesus.  When we are offended and exasperated, remind us of Jesus.  When we feel that justified in our anger, and unwilling to show love, in those moments, please remind us of Jesus.  In Your name we pray, Amen.

DAILY SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

Reflect on the relationships in your life where God may be teaching you to love more deeply. Write down one way you can practice patience, kindness, or humility in each relationship.

As you go about your day, ask yourself, How can I show love in this moment? Whether through a kind word, a selfless act, or simply listening, commit to embodying the love described in 1 Corinthians 13.