Luke 12:40
September 23, 2024
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 23 SEPTEMBER
September 23, 2024
THE 23rd OF SEPTEMBER
WHAT IS “AGAPE” LOVE?
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4
True godly love is both patient and kind. In order to extend this kind of love to others, we must first receive God’s love ourselves. When we deeply love someone, we are more tolerant of their faults and are able to respond with kindness, even when their actions would typically upset us. God demonstrates this every day by enduring so much from each of us because of His love. Likewise, we are called to show this same love to others.
Love is also contrasted with negative traits like envy and pride. Envy and jealousy stem from selfishness, while love inspires us to celebrate the success of others. Pride and boasting create division, but love humbles the self and elevates others.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me to grasp the depth of Your love for me and to fully receive Your unconditional love. I acknowledge that I cannot love others as You desire without first having Your love within me. Lord, may the fruit of the Holy Spirit transform me, so I can love You and others as You will. Please remove envy and pride from my heart, filling me instead with patience and kindness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
