Tucked away in a nice little box.

“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. Love never fails … And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”  (Selected verses from 1 Corinthians 13)

  There are nice little boxes tucked away in every house.  Some of these boxes are intricate and ornate noting many hours of careful work by their builder.  Some of these boxes have special significance being made for someone by a father or grandfather.  Some of these boxes are musical and were given by mothers to their daughters.  Some of these boxes might have been reclaimed having previously held other items such as cigars, cheese or nuts and bolts.

    All of these boxes now hold souvenirs, little notes, tokens and possibly coins or money.  Each item has its own unique and personal value. It is a bit sad that even as these boxes hold such valuable things, they are tucked away from daily sight and use.

    One of the most powerful and valuable writings in the New Testament is the “Love Chapter.”  First Corinthians 13 contains some of the most beautiful and  valuable verses in all of the Bible.  The words are direct, succinct and important as they relate descriptively and factually about what love looks like and how love sustains, nurtures and carries the relationships we are involved in.  The love described is the pure love that God gives us which is totally devoted and sacrificial.  We often read this passage at weddings and then we tuck the words away, held in a nice little box until the next gathering.

    The “Love Chapter” is valuable and should be treasured but love is active and dynamic.  Love is involved … as it sees, engages and gives life to all relationships.  Past moments of love remembered are nice to cherish but real love and the “Love Chapter” was never intended to be simply tucked away in a nice little box.

Suggested Bible Encouragement … 1 Corinthians 13