Wuv. Twu Wuv

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV

For those who may not recognize "Wuv, Twu Wuv," it's a line by the priest in the 1987 fairy tale adventure film "The Princess Bride." Today's verse also talks about true love and comes from what is commonly referred to as "the love chapter," and folks who are unfamiliar with the Bible, but have ever attended a wedding, are likely to have heard the scriptures read of what true love is–and isn't.

The familiar passage begins with, "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." If you've not read it in a while, please read the whole chapter; it is quite emotional and beautiful.

Although used at weddings, Paul is not writing about romantic love. Remember, he encouraged people to remain single and celebrate (1 Cor 7:1). Instead, he is writing about God's perfect, agape love for us and how we should show that love to all others. So what does Paul mean by today's verse? We must act righteously and with fidelity, just as God does toward us. Whenever temptation guides us towards wrong and hurtful acts, it is not God's faithful love that is our motivation but sin. In our unrighteous acts, we become unfaithful.

God, we give you thanks for your true love for us. We are thankful for your righteousness and fidelity. You do not turn away when we stumble but gather us in your loving arms and forgive. Help us to love like that, to become reflections of your true love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim