1 Corinthians 13:1-13 “1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or clanging cymbal. 2) If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3# If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4) Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand it’s own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6) It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7) Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10) But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.
11) When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12) Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13) Three things will last forever – FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE – AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.”
Have we put away our childist thinking….have we loved the unlovable, just as God loves us?
thedailylily.com 
Good question, CF. “Have we loved the unlovable?”
Thinking about your question chickenfamer made me ask myself another question from I John 5:2: ‘By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. ” God in His wisdom knows how to love perfectly and desires that others come to a place of obedience and service to Him, so I would think that my actions of love must need to be with God’s wisdom to help others come to this place also, not my own thoughts or emtions or feelings as to what I think someone needs to be loved.
Hey Debi, seems like smart thinking to me…
Where does it say in this scripture that we are to love the unloveable? If this be true; many people sure don’t treat me right. I have been unlovable many times and I didn’t see a long line of lovers standing by. Not sure many people would love me even when I think I am lovable?
Hebrews 12:6 says, “The Lord disciplines everyone he loves. He severely disciplines everyone he accepts as his child.” Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible explains this mystery to me: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,…. All men are not the objects of God’s love, only a special people, whom he has chosen in Christ;…” ???
CF, give me a little more info on loving the unlovable. Now I understand I should love my enemies. “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” – Jesus of Nazareth, as recorded in Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
Is this just a moralizing statement? “Love the unloveable.”
Gary, food for thought…
Moralize |ˈmôrəˌlīz; ˈmär-|
verb [ intrans. ] [often as n. ] ( moralizing)
comment on issues of right and wrong, typically with an unfounded air of superiority : theself-righteous moralizing of his aunt was ringing in his ears.
• [ trans. ] interpret or explain as giving lessons on good and bad character and conduct : mythographers normally moralize Narcissus as the man who wastes himself in pursuing worldly goods.
• [ trans. ] reform the character and conduct of : he endeavored to moralize an immoral society.
I agree with Needles, “CF, Have we loved the unlovable?”
CF, where did you come up with such a word as unloveable? Have you made us judges? Dictionary…”unlovable |ˌənˈləvəbəl| (also unloveable) adjective not lovable : a very unlovable child.”
I can understand from this point of view. “a very unlovable child.” One thinks their child is so lovable when in fact many think they are unlovable. Then the other thinks likewise and then the other!!!!!! Parents so often think their child is so adorable and lovable and all others may see is a troubled kid that is unloveable. Then another parent may think someone else’s child is unlovable because of skin color or race or faith. So often I hear ‘unlovable’ because their parents don’t suit or fit in to your life style. Ok, why don’t we just love one another by showing respect and honor to all humans and go about our work. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;..”
Gary, yes, I think this is a moralizing statement. Why do I think this? Dictionary: “lovable |adjective
inspiring or deserving love or affection.” What good could be found in me to deserve God’s love and affection that He so willing sent His Son Jesus to die for one such as me?
Chickenfarmer, who is included in the definition of unloveable?
“There is none righteous, no not one. OUR righteousness is as filthy rags” Romans 3:10 & Isaiah 64:5. The only righteousness we can have is the righteousness of Christ Jesus. But we have to put forth effort on our part also, Like Abraham who believed God and journeyed out not knowing where he was going. Obeying the Lord in intending to sacrifice his son Isaac, in the test the Lord God gave him. Abraham DID something. Jesus said, “seek ye first the Kingdom of God” DO it. Ask, knock Seek Do it
Obey. Then HE said LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR. He didn’t say love the neighbor if he/she is attractive, quiet, clean, religious, rich, talented, doesn’t have little kids, witty, famous. He said to love the neighbor just as he/she is. Like HE loved us just as we were.
I cannot do that, all the time, but if I allow the Spirit of the living God to love them, see their situation, NOT JUDGE them because I disagree with a certain thing…and so condemn them. Sometimes our own concerns and self-righteousness are so all consuming, we become so religious we fail to see the dilemmas that others are facing, especially when we do not know the whole story or where people are coming from. That is the time to listen, give encouragement, not put them down because we would NOT do it that way or we see it another way. This is mercy which triumphs over judgment. That’s what the Lord conferred upon us. Mercy over Judgment when He saved us….ugly as we were and He said be perfect for I am perfect.
Jesus did not even condemn the adulterous woman caught in the very act of sin. Mercy triumphed over judgment. That’s what I ask of the Lord and that is what we who are trying to win souls, disciple seekers should display in our own lives. I have a looooong way yet to go, but I am gooooing …
I have been thinking about this statement “Love the unlovable”…. I wasn’t sure why this was place on my heart until last night. I began watching The Passion of Christ and I realized why this statement was put on my heart. I watched as Peter and Jesus were talking. (Matthew 26:33-35 “33 Peter declared,”Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you know me.” 35″No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.”) Matthew 26:69-72 “69 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, “he said. 71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. ” I don’t even know the man,” he said. 73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said. “You must be one on them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” 74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying-I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind. “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly. ” As I watched the movie, Peter began running and fell at the feet of Mary (Jesus’ Mother). Peter was weeping. Mary tried to console him by touching his face. Peter pulled away and said don’t touch me, I am not worthy. He told Mary that he had denied Jesus and then he ran off weeping. Peter may have felt unlovable at that moment in his life. Jesus still loved him. I have felt unlovable at times, but I know Jesus loves me. As I watched Peter weeping, I felt his pain. I felt his hurting heart. How many times have I failed Jesus? How many times have I been unlovable? Yet, He still loves Peter and He still loves me. Lord, thank you for loving the unlovable. Thank you for loving me.
CF, wonder how Mel Gibson is feeling about his lifestyle after such a lustrous career?
Philippians 2:12b-13 “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure”
CF, you write: “How many times have I failed Jesus? How many times have I been unlovable? Yet, He still loves Peter and He still loves me. Lord, thank you for loving the unlovable. Thank you for loving me.”
It must be very comforting to know that you are so loved. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
On my FB this am there is a big sign that says, “Message from God;”
“On this day, God wants you to know
… that you are perfect as you are. God doesn’t create faulty life. No. Everything created by God is perfect, and so are you. So stop driving yourself mad with endless ways to improve, and just accept the glory of your being as is.”
I am as usual going through my musings, ie, an instance or period of reflection, on learning and understand what God is really saying from His word.
CF, you shared a story with me on the phone about a teacher sharing how she has been reading a Christian book and working on redoing….refreshing, renewing, etc. Then one lady from the floor said, “we all just want to be perfect.”
Slept on that last night trying to make sense of it so I could apply to my life. Then I got this message from God on FB. But, in your blog and scriptures I am told to put away childish thinking.
Dictionary meaning of childish; “of, like, or appropriate to a child : childish enthusiasm.• silly and immature : a childish outburst.”
I must be very honest with you I still do not understand your blog ie this statement;” Have we put away our childist thinking….have we loved the unlovable, just as God loves us?” If I understand your response correctly you are saying you were rewarding yourself with comfort knowing that God loves you regardless of your lifestyle ie mistakes, etc. I sure hope so with all my mistakes. May I ask for my learning; “is childish thinking in your writings, our way of thinking about ourselves? God’s Love? God’s Word?
Is the message (above) for today right? Was the teacher or student right? Or, should I just sit down and be quiet and live with the little I know and hope to make heaven?
CF, I love open, honest, and fair communication, healthy debates, for the purpose of learning, growing and maturing. I have this belief that if we could talk and share with an open heart and mind we could better understand ourselves and one another. I think many times we are or seem unloveable when we try to express our hearts. I think others may see it this way as well. We sure do need to speak, write and receive info with the idea that we love one another through our communications.
That is why family and friends are so important to us. Iron sharpens iron. Proverbs 27:17, New Living Translation (©2007) As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Off to church I go, praying hoping and living. Faith, hope and love…..:)
When reading this blog I was taken with the term ‘unlovable’. I thought if you are a child of God you are lovable due to the blood sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and our acceptance of Him as Lord and Savior who took all our sins upon himself. This past week I had been reading through the Bible and ran across the story of Lot at Sodom and how Abraham had prayed and prayed for that city asking God again and again if He would spare that sinful city. When ten people could not be found the city with all types of perverseness the city could not be saved. Abraham’s brother Lot was in that city surrounded with sin, or with unlovable people, not children of God. God decided to go in and take Lot out. The sinful men of the town clamored after the angels of the Lord and the angels blinded them and took Lot out. Lot, according to the footnotes in my NIV Application Bible- Genesis 19: 14 Lot had lived so long and was so contented among ungodly people that he was no longer a believable witness for God. He had allowed his environment to shape him, rather than he shaping his environment.” The footnotes go on to say, “Do those who know you see you as a witness for God, or are you just one of the crowd, blending in unnoticed? Lot had compromised to the point that he was almost useless to God. When he finally made a stand, nobody listened. Have you too, become useless to God because you are too much like your environment? To make a difference you must first decide to be different in your faith and your conduct.”
Wow! Almost useless? Almost taken over by sin? Almost unlovable forever! Thank goodness Abraham, the intercessor, was lifting him up in prayer. Thank goodness the angels came and took Lot and his family out of Sodom. His wife came out but turned to a pillar salt as she could not focus on the road and life God had ahead of her – unlovable? Still with the influence of sin on their lives Lot and his daughters pushed forward. Not free from sin but forward. They had made a choice. In a song we used before on the daily lily by Kenny Rogers – ” You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, Know when to walk away and know when to run.” If we don’t get it right we might just join the unlovable in hell.
If I am perfect as I am today than that is scary. I do believe, however, that according to the scriptures as I understand them, that God calls me to be perfect, strive for perfection, aim for it. “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim 3:17 KJ
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matt 5:38 NKJ”…
But when I measure myself by God’s standards and His holiness, I have a long way to go. I do want, however, to hold onto Phil 3:13 in encouraging me and exhorting me to contend for perfection.
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,…” NLT
Researching the word “perfect” I found….
being complete of its kind .. without qualification;
perfective: a tense of verbs used in describing action that has been completed (sometimes regarded as perfective aspect) complete
precisely accurate or exact; “perfect timing”
(wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)
In that case to strive for perfection would mean to strive for completion. To be whole, integral, integrated, without qualification which to me also could mean without Compromise, being accurate, exact and precise. Excellent timing. All these are attainable by and through the power of the Holy Spirit and in no other power but God’s. So we do have a lot of striving to do but the Lord would not command us to be perfect if He thought and/or knew that we couldn’t do it. And every time I defeat the cravings of the flesh by my will and the help of the Holy Spirit, I take one small step for mankind toward perfection.
I have always had a wondering in my mind why it says be and not just try a little to be perfect like God the Father. I have always thought use wisdom and make right decisions and live a righteous life and show love to all peoples. May be wrong….Not hard just choices…..
On thinking more on ‘loving the unlovable’…somehow it doesn’t seem compatible with the following scriptures:
“I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.” I Cor 5:11
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us.” II Thess 3:6
This reads and sounds to me like some people think they are so lovable that everybody loves them and they love everybody. This person sure looks like a chameleon. How can one have trust in a changeable, fickle, inconsistent person.
We are to love one another. It would seem to me that if I am to love another or others as written in this passage of scripture and they love me we both need to work on the relationship with much wisdom. Maybe this is why this passage is read and committed to at so many weddings. It is a relationalship love much like that of Jesus Christ and His church.
Cf, no I have not loved the unloveable the way Christ loves me. Christ loves the church and He gave this example to me for my husband to love me this way and for me to love my husband. Oh, and I don’t think he is unloveable.
Reading from the footnotes of my NIV Application Bible, I Cor. 5: 10, 11 Debi it says, ” Paul makes it clear that we should not disassociate ourselves from unbelievers – otherwise we could not carry out Christ’s command to tell them about salvation (Matthew 28: 18-20). But we are to distance ourselves from the person who claims to be a Christian, yet indulges in sins explicitly forbidden in Scripture by rationalizing his or her actions. By rationalizing sin, a person harms others for whom Christ died and dims the image of God in himself or herself. A church that includes such a person is hardly fit to be the light of the world. To do so would distort the picture of Christ it presents to the world. Church leaders must be ready to correct, in love, for the sake of spiritual unity.
Sounds like to me we better walk circumspectly. Those who are not of God don’t hide behind mask – they serve Satan and the world. Those that hide behind a mask of Christianity thinking man doesn’t see their pretenses, a Holy God sees the heart and exposes.
Pastor Gary in his sermon yesterday said that we have a two sided coin. On one side we have the teachings of the scripture and on the other side piety, that is walking out the scriptures in our lives. Both are equally important in our lives as Christians. He said that we need to whole coin as both walk and work together. Our challenge for the week knowing we have this coin is to AWAKE, BE ALIVE, NOT GO WITH THE FLOW OF THINGS.
I have to admit, the words I typed and what was in mind have two different meanings. I am always working on my communication skills and as you can see I am still working on them. I don’t want to ever mislead anyone with a lack of communicating the truth. As I read 1 Corinthians 13, I thought of how amazing love is. I thought of the song that I sang as a child, “Jesus Loves Me”. When I wrote this blog, I was feeling bad for my sinful actions. I guess one could say, I was beating myself up. I was thinking how could God love me, a sinner, who knows better but still sins. I know what is right, I believe God’s Word and I love God’s Word with all my heart, but I still do wrong. Why do I do this? It’s the sinful nature in me. The “old man” trying to take control again. It’s a constant battle. I must not fall for these traps and snares that are set out to enslave me. I must stay focused, be commited and obedient to my true love, Jesus Christ. When I said, We must put away our childest thinking. Have we loved the unlovable, just as God loves us? Although it read as I was speaking about the world and the ones who are unlovable, I wasn’t. My true feelings were speaking to myself in my repentance of my sinful nature. Childest thinking…silly thinking. Love the unlovable. I felt unlovable and I know that Jesus died for me in His amazing love. So,we ( the children of God) are not unlovable although at times we may feel unlovable because of our sinful nature. Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so… We are loved. Please, forgive me for my lack of communication, I am working on this and I will be my whole entire life. 🙂
This blog does bring up many issues that we hear about and see on the news. Many false religions use love as a trap. They will argue their point about how we should love everyone no matter what they are doing, we should just accept them for who they are. I disagree with this. The word of God teaches us what is right and what is wrong. Wrong is wrong and the Word of God is right. One of my children was studying for a History test this past week. One of the questions read something like this…..What is the oldest true record of history… the answer .. The Bible. God’s Holy Word. The TRUE record of the PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. We must be very careful not to be confused by all of these false religious teachings. God is God. I was speaking to one of my precious friends this morning and she was speaking of the false religions.. She spoke of Christian Atheism… The words don’t even go together. I researched this Christian Atheism. The sight I was on said Christian Atheism is an ideology in which the God of Christianity is rejected but the moral teachings of Jesus are followed. How can anyone attempt to separte our almightly God from Christ. This is an example of the false religious traps that are in our world today.
CF, What an encouraging testimony. Maybe you were working to understand your pain. But, even your feelings are global and affect many. Hopefully, we can learn and apply God’s love to our lives at times when we face the same mirror you were looking into.
“Christian Atheism”…most interesting. I have always heard that an atheist has to have faith to call themselves an atheist. Would this be persons that want the benefits and acceptance of the church but not the commitment and obedience to Christ through the structure of the church.
According to the scriptures that Debi posted and Rena wrote the footnotes on I think I would like ‘christian atheism’ better than ones that say they are Christians and not live out the moral teachings of Jesus.
This is an excellent blog and our blogging is a great tool for learning and using our communication skills to bring light into the global perspectives of faith.
Yes it is real testing to live out the teachings and moral principles of Jesus Christ, every day, every day. Asking for the cleansing blood of Jesus to remove our latest transgression and then, comes the test, maybe in another area of our lives and we (I) fail again. Yes, it is difficult to get this flesh under control as CF lamented above. Paul did, too. “Oh wretched man that I am !”
And in different seasons of our lives the testings are different and for different reasons. But thank GOD. He will rescue if we repent and strive to do the right thing, again. I am not speaking of greasy grace but a genuine repentance and striving, heartfelt endeavor to do the Word of God and not just hear it…not just know about the Word and spew it out like a computer but to know the Living Word.
We have been promised that we can go from glory to glory if we are obedient to the Word of God. But each step of glory takes more commitment, more dedication and more resolve. The tests get harder and we get older. We must make a choice, every day, to do the will of God and to KNOW what that is for us in this season of our lives. That takes faith!