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In 1 Corinthians 13 the Apostle Paul describes what the love of God looks like in action.

Perhaps we seldom think of Paul's dissertation about love in 1 Corinthians 13 as being dangerous. How could this be so, in a section of scripture perhaps unmatched in beauty, so direct, so convicting, and - so convicting of all of us if we are honest with ourselves. How could a human being ever do these things (and not do certain other things), and survive in our modern world! If one were to live - REALLY LIVE - this way, one would not survive very long.

Many would say, this can never work; it is totally naive, and unrealistic. This kind of love is OK for God ("God is Love). but will never "work" for humans. This description of love is incredibly naive. This kind of love opens one up to being taken advantage of in a hundred different ways. It implies a child-like ignorance, and gulability which, in our world, would be an absurd way of living life. It is often said concerning someone that they are "hard to love".

Consequently, they never try the love method. What if Jesus had said that the world is so "hard to love" it isn't worth it? The description of love that Paul reveals is an action love. By it, we see the love of God in action that becomes the definition of the works that God has ordained that we should live in them. Notice:

"For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]." - Ephesians 2:8-10

Every action, all the works of love in action listed by the Apostle Paul are to be lived out as part of our assignment as Christians. Good works become our love in action. The works of love described by Paul require much from us as Christians.

But It is true that they can often involve a high cost.

Jesus lived in the actions and service of Holy Love. He lived 1 Corinthians 13 to the uttermost toward all of the world, and the world killed Him for doing it. He lived and died to pay the price of love. His payment enables Christians today to love others with 1 Corinthians 13 love. For some, to do so involves a high price of some kind. For others, it is less. The price true Christians pay in order to live according to Godly love varies. It certainly varies according to circumstances.

It is obvious we cannot choose our circumstances of birth; where we were born, our parents, our environment, our upbringing. But when we become Christians according to God's definition of "Christian", regardless of individual circumstances, there is always some type of price to pay in order to live out the love that lives in us, as Christ lives in us.

In order to live out the love Jesus Christ asks of us, there is danger. It comes in many forms. Some are ostracized, some disowned by family and friends. Some pay by loosing their jobs. Some, in extreme cases, are rejected by everyone they know; some are chased and hounded by enemies, personal or religious. And yes, some loose their physical lives.

Because they loved.

Because they did not love their own lives more than the love of 1 Corinthians 13. For them the price is very high indeed!

However, on resurrection day, whatever our individual price may be, it will be swallowed up in victory and joy. The joy of eternal life. Until then, endure - and LOVE!

"And so faith, hope, love abide [faith—conviction and belief respecting man’s relation to God and divine things; hope—joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love—true affection for God and man, growing out of God’s love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love. Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]..." - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 14:1 (AMP)

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - March 11-15