We often measure our self-worth by what we have or how well we are doing.
Yet when it comes to the people whom we like spending time with the most, it’s not what they have or what they have done that makes that so, it’s who they are… and how they make us feel.
“What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing unless I loved others. What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing unless I loved others.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 CEV
If I think about all the things I am trying to be better at – a partner, a mother, a worker, a writer, a speaker, a coach, a friend, a Christian… on the surface I might look like I’m “speaking” those languages but on the days I don’t do those things with love, when I’m more focused on outcomes than relationship, then despite all my efforts towards success, the sum total may actually be “nothing.”
I’ve decided the next part of this chapter needs to become my love checklist. A moment-by-moment self-examination…
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
1 Corinthians 13:3-7 MSG
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