READ: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Evaluations make people uncomfortable. Whether it’s a parent-teacher meeting at school, a performance review work, or even a doctor’s physical, we get nervous. While it’s awkward to put yourself in a position to be judged, it’s also extremely helpful. After a physical, your doctor can help you adjust your life to be more healthy. If you implement your review at work, then you will become more successful. If you want to improve your life, you need to review your life. That’s why the Apostle Paul took the time to create a “performance review of love” in the middle of 1 Corinthians 13.
How do we approach these verses like an evaluation? A pastor once encouraged me to put my name in place of the word love in this passage. Meaning, I would say, “Jackson is patient. Jackson is kind. etc.” I encourage you to do the same.
Use verses 4-7 as an evaluation of the love in your life. Can you honestly say you are patient—even in traffic? Can you honestly say you are not selfish—even when you don’t get your way? Can you honestly say you keep no record of wrongs—even when you’re in the middle of a fight?
If you cannot honestly fill your name in the blanks, then simply ask God to help you grow in that area. Just like the gifts of the Holy Spirit, God gives them to you freely and openly. Love is the first Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5), which means it’s nurtured by your connection with God. Closeness with Jesus cultivates authentic love in your life.