Today's Passage - 1 Corinthians 13:7

1 Corinthians 13:7   It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.      Paul goes on to say there are four things to note when it comes to exercising "love" towards others: Paul first talked about always protecting. This is to treat each other with a big heart. The truth is everyone is different and each one of us has our own weakness. We have to learn to accept each other's weakness because the Lord has accepted us. There was a missionary who was unsatisfied with another missionary's ministry and he complained to the Lord, "Lord, how could you use a person like him?" The Lord answered, "The same way I used you!" We only look at the faults of others, but we fail to see that God also accepted our shortcomings. In addition, there is often a double standard in the church. If you would treat people who are close to you different from those who are not, that is not the biblical way. We need to learn to always protect one another within the church.   Secondly, always trust. We must first trust in God's promises and do not lose the child-like faith. We must believe that God's promises will always come to pass, and keep our eyes on Him. No matter how circumstances may change, do not doubt God. Believe that He works all things for your good. Believe also in God's ability. Do not back out because of fear. Believe that nothing is impossible for God.  Besides trusting God, we must also learn to trust our brothers and sisters. Always choose to believe that their motives are pure and that they love God.  Believe that what they do is out of love for God, out of love for us and for the church. Only when we learn to always trust, can we see love being poured out into our lives.    Thirdly always hope.  God is ultimately victorious and He will keep us to the end. The pastor of Bread of Life church once said if not for the clear vision that God had given him to build a glorious church, he would have become discouraged in his ministry long time ago. It is the hope of glory and the heart of God to build up His church that has sustained him through the years.  Once you have such a glorious hope in your heart, nothing can stop you from moving forward.    Lastly, love always perseveres - allowing God time to work in our lives and in the lives of others. Every Christian should have the sign "Construction in progress - sorry for the inconvenience caused."  We need to be ready to give others a second chance, and allow others to learn from their mistakes. God is definitely at work in our lives and in the lives of others. Let us learn to minister to one another in love and to grow and mature through serving.         Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, we thank you because the love you have for us is indeed such a love. We pray Lord you will help us to have the same kind of love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres, to love our brothers and sisters.  We thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!      Find out more about ROLCC Ignite English ministry, a dynamic multi-ethnic young professional congregation!