Daily Devotions with Chaplain Kenny for Wednesday, February 14, 2024: Love Beyond Words

 

The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Love Beyond Words

If I … do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:3

Introduction

"If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing" (1 Corinthians 13:3).

In this verse, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the supreme importance of love in all our actions. This divine truth is poignantly reflected in the life story of Jim and Laneeda, a couple whose journey through the trials of early-onset Alzheimer's reveals the profound depth of true, selfless love.

The Joyful Beginning

Jim and Laneeda’s story began with the blossoming of love in their college years, leading them to a joyful marriage. Their early years were filled with shared dreams, laughter, and the everyday joys of life together. In these moments, their love was expressed in words, gestures, and shared experiences, laying a strong foundation for the trials they were yet to face.

The Turning Point

As they journeyed through life, unexpected challenges arose. Laneeda began exhibiting signs of forgetfulness and confusion, which were later diagnosed as early-onset Alzheimer's. This marked a pivotal moment in their lives. The challenges of Alzheimer's tested the very fabric of their love and commitment.

Love in Action

It was during this testing period that Jim's understanding of love transformed. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:3, love is not just about grand gestures or sacrifices made for recognition. True love is seen in the everyday acts of caring, patience, and presence. Jim’s daily support for Laneeda, through the confusion and challenges, became a living testament to the kind of love Paul describes – a love that seeks no reward and gains its value from the act itself.

Reflecting Divine Love

Their story mirrors the sacrificial love God has for us, exemplified in the sending of Jesus Christ for our redemption. Just as Jim's love for Laneeda was shown through his daily sacrifices, so too does God's love manifest in the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for our sins. In both cases, love goes beyond mere words or actions; it becomes a transformative force.

Conclusion

Jim and Laneeda's journey, intertwined with the wisdom of 1 Corinthians 13:3, invites us to reflect on the true essence of love. It challenges us to look beyond the surface of our actions and examine the heart with which we serve others. In our daily lives, may we strive to embody this selfless, sacrificial love – a love that truly gains everything by giving itself away.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we reflect upon the profound message of 1 Corinthians 13:3, we come before You with humble hearts. We pray for all those who, like Laneeda, face the trials of early-onset Alzheimer's and for their caregivers, exemplified by Jim's unwavering love and dedication. Grant them strength, patience, and a deep sense of Your presence in their journey. May they feel Your love and comfort in times of confusion and distress. Help us all to embody the selfless love that seeks not to boast but to serve, a love that mirrors Your sacrificial love for us. May our actions and care for one another be a true reflection of Your love, which surpasses all understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen.

-------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA www.ichthus-dnm.org
The Bible texts are from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional…