Daily Devotional - Persistent Prayer - Week 36 - Day 245 - Month of Prayer Day 2 - 9/2/25 - "What Love Looks Like"

Author: Evangelist Jamie Hoffman

“What Love Looks Like”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV
 
“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.”

Devotion:
What are the character traits of love? Today’s Scripture lets us know the definitive characteristics that make up love; the Word lets us know what love is and what love is not. Love is patient, which means it doesn't give up when faced with adversity or challenges. Love is kind; meaning it’s not rude, nice-nasty, judgmental or self-righteous. Love doesn’t envy; which means it does not covet someone else’s blessings. Love does not boast, meaning love is not loud and braggadocios. Love is not proud; meaning it is meek and humble. Love does not dishonor; it builds up and supports. It is not self-seeking; it serves and gives. It is not angry; it is long-suffering and extends grace. It does not keep a record of wrongdoings, but it forgives and lets go.

Finally, the end of the Scripture lets us know some constants that represent love. Love always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Occasionally, especially when I find myself operating on a short fuse, I have to do a heart check and make sure that my love looks the way it should. Does my love line up with the Word of God? Does my love look like and reflect God’s love for me? Take a moment this morning and think about what your love looks like and compare it to the character traits of today’s Scripture. One thing that popped into my mind was this: if I had to take a photograph of my love for others, would it reflect the light of God so that others can see Him in me or would it reflect just me?

Prayer:
Lord, help us exhibit the character traits of Your love for us. Help us reflect Your love so that others can glorify You. If You find anything in us that should not be, purge us completely from the inside out. Amen.