What is enduring love?

Jesus left a perfect existence to live among us in a wicked world. In the face of rejection, threats, and jeers, He healed the sick, preached the gospel and expressed the Father’s love to and for humanity.
Even moments before His death, as He hung on the cross, bleeding and struggling for every painful breath, people continued to mock and reject Him. Yet Jesus willingly gave up His life for them. Not only for them but also for us – who reject and mock Him today.
Jesus personified unwavering love then, and He continues to do so today.
This brings us to this week’s challenging statement found in the last part of 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV): “[Love] endures all things.”
I wanted to write to you about enduring love, but as much as I tried to write about a love that displays perfect commitment, I couldn’t do it. I wrote – and rewrote – several paragraphs. Then I deleted all of them, only to repeat the cycle again and again. To effectively describe this type of love … is simply beyond my skills as a writer.
I can, however, ask God to help us become people who practice a love that (as the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition describes) “endures everything [without weakening].” I’m praying for nothing short of a miracle – that we, flaky, self-absorbed people, will love so well that we can endure everything without weakening.
I’m praying for God to remind us that love isn’t an emotion as much as it’s a commitment. It’s being willing to look past people’s faults and see the person they’re trying to become, to be willing to love even those who seem committed to a downward path. I hope you’ll join me in asking God to show each of us where we fail and fill us with His love and presence.
Could it be that the more we commit to practicing enduring love, the greater we’ll experience the spirit of unity in our families, communities, and in our churches? When we fail to persevere in our love for one another – when we don’t love as God loves us – we short ourselves and the people we share life with.
Jesus persevered in His love for mankind throughout His life on earth – all the way to the cross. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 ESV).
Today, He continues to love us unfailingly, even when we’re anything but lovely.
This, my friend, is enduring love.

Sheryl H. Boldt is a sales executive for Wave 94 and author of the blog, TodayCanBeDifferent.net. Connect with her at SherylHBoldt.Wave94@gmail.com.