“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 4-5,7-8a NIV

Happy Valentine’s Day! Did you make Valentine’s cards to give to your classmates? Did your mom and dad make sure you gave one to everyone in your class, even that person you don’t get along with so well? Nice, because that is what God would want you do, too.

Because God loves us so much, He wants us to share His love by loving others. At the beginning of this chapter, Paul tells us that whatever he does or whatever gifts he has, if he doesn’t have love, he is nothing. In our verses for today Paul gives us lots of guidelines for what love is and is not.

Love others like God loves us, which means…

Being patient with people and not getting angry or frustrated easily when we don’t like what they do or agree with them. Sometimes it works best to say nothing and walk away.

Being kind to everyone we meet. After all, when you are kind, people tend to be kind in return. Try it!

Being humble and honoring others, cheering for them when they do well and encouraging them.

Being forgiving when people do things that may hurt our feelings or are mean. Don’t let the hurts build up and keep thinking about them and make yourself miserable. Forgive and move on.

Being protective of those you love: family and friends.

Being hopeful that your love and actions with change others and let them see God’s love through you.

Being persistent and not giving up on people. Keep being patient, keep being kind, keep loving people, and keep sharing God’s love with others.

This week, talk with your parents. Who is easy to love? Who is hard to love? Why? Decide how you can show God’s love to that person. Maybe you simply smile, or say good morning, or wish them good luck on something, or even just walk away when they are not being kind to you. Decide how you can shine and share God’s love with the other people in your life.

Blessings as you share God’s love with others!