Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening. Love never fails, never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end. 1 Corinthians 13:7,8 (Amplified Classic Edition)

When I read this or any portion of 1 Corinthians 13, I am often mortified at how far I have yet to go before I truly understand how to love anyone. The bar has been set so very high in Scripture, and Jesus demonstrated it perfectly every day he lived on this planet. Yet, God never asks us to do anything that He doesn’t empower us to do. Let’s pray for that power today.

Father,

Please grant that I would experience your love to a greater degree. Fill my heart with the kind of love that you have. Agape love is foreign in this culture. It’s a Me-First world, it’s a “I deserve this” entitlement mentality, it’s a revenge-seeking planet, and these are behaviors you do not condone, model, or decree, yet I have done them all, hopelessly attempting to represent your love to a broken world around me, forgetting that I am broken myself.

Forgive me, my Father, for the many times I’ve barely even tried to live up to your standard of love. I joyfully receive your forgiveness. And I will believe the good news that I can change! I will begin today by reading your Word, knowing in faith beyond a shadow of doubt that you will answer this simple prayer for help: Help me love, Lord.

Amen