Learning To Never Give Up In Loving Others

In review of 1 Corinthians 13:7 it says, “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

Bottom Line:

Love is so supportive that it never gives up, it never loses trust, it is always hopeful and will endures regardless of the circumstance.

What this means to me:

My love towards others requires me to be loyal, regardless of the cost. I need to believe in and always expect the best from them. I should be willing to stand my ground in defending them regardless of the circumstances.

Given the definition in this verse, love can be absolutely exhausting. However, this is the kind of love that really makes a difference in this world, but can zap everything out of me.

Often, I come across time when I just don’t feel like I have any more love to give. So I just shut down. Or I need to show love to a particular person who is demanding, selfish, and never returns my love. And I think, “I’m done. No more.”

While this is perfectly natural and human, it’s not the standard of love God calls me to in his Word. The verse reminds me that, “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT, second edition). Love never gives up.

So how can I have that kind of persistent love for others?

What I’m learning is that I need to get refueled. Just like my car needs to be refueled to run, so do I when it comes to love.  

In order to give the kind of persistent love that God wants me to give, I have to refuel my love tank.

As I look around me at this world, I see it has become littered with debris from relationships that have crashed and burned and lot of this is likely to due to people not refueling their love.

How do I refuel my love tank? I start by letting God love me.

The Bible says, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 NIV). When I’m worn out, tired, and can’t imagine showing love to anyone else, remember that God loved me so much that he sent his Son to die for me. This is what can keep me going when I want to quit.

Love is something I should never give up on. God’s standard for love tells me that I should never gives up or lose faith in someone. I should always look to the good and endure whatever it takes. God, today you have reminded me that love is not always easy, it takes work. As such I should not give up regardless of what happens or is happening. You have provided me with greatest example in what you had done for me. Today, I should consider if there is anyone I may have written off as a lost cause. I need to not give up on them, but continue to love and support them. I can refuel my tank by continuing to spend daily quiet time with God.