PASTOR’S CORNER, Phillip Dow, New Beginnings Church, Liberal
Love isn’t always loud. Sometimes it doesn’t even look impressive. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, love looks like staying power. It looks like patience when others lose their temper. It looks like kindness in a culture that rewards sharp comebacks. It looks like refusing to keep score, even when you’re right.
As a pastor in this community, I’ve seen love on display in ways that never made headlines, but moved heaven. I’ve seen a group of people gather to pray every Tuesday at noon, believing that God has a big plan for us. I’ve seen a child forgive a parent and rebuild their relationship after years of silence. I’ve seen a teenager refuse to mock a classmate, even when his friends laughed at him for it. None of these acts came with a spotlight, but every one of them shines with the love Paul describes.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (v. 4, NIV). Right away, Paul confronts our culture of self-promotion. Love doesn’t brag, boast, or bully. It doesn’t insist on having the last word or the biggest platform. Love isn’t loud about itself; it’s loud in how it lifts others.
“Love does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (v. 5). That verse alone could change marriages, classrooms, businesses, and churches. Love honors. Love listens. Love doesn’t keep score like a referee waiting to blow the whistle. It’s not about getting your way—it’s about walking in Christ’s way.
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (v. 6). Love doesn’t gossip. It doesn’t grin when someone fails. It doesn’t cling to “tea” or trade in “drama.” Real love gets excited when truth wins. It celebrates integrity, faithfulness, and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Then Paul delivers four simple, powerful declarations: “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (v. 7). Always. Not sometimes. Not when it’s easy. Not when people deserve it. This is not a love we can manufacture. It’s not the stuff of romantic movies or Sunday-only religion. It’s the kind of love formed in us by the Holy Spirit through surrender, obedience, and time.
So here’s my challenge: This week, pick one of those four “always” statements from verse 7 and live it out. If you choose “always protects,” find someone to stand up for. Maybe a student being bullied or a coworker being overlooked. If you choose “always trusts,” give someone the benefit of the doubt, even if your instinct is to be cynical. If you choose “always hopes,” speak life into someone who’s discouraged - write a note, make a call, say a prayer. If you choose “always perseveres,” stick with someone who’s struggling instead of walking away.
Love like this doesn’t just feel good, it changes lives. It reflects Jesus. And it’s exactly what our world needs most. If you need ideas or desire prayer, members of the Liberal Ministerial Alliance stand ready to offer hope and resources to you. If you find yourself in spiritual need and without a home church, I would love for you to come with me to New Beginnings Church.
