1 Cor 13 isn’t as simple and straightforward a passage as it seems! It details how God expects us to love one another, and man, that kind of love is hard to live out. I’ve written a 9-day plan that will help us journey through 1 Cor 13: 4-8 bit by bit and process how God expects us to love each other. This is a journalling plan, so get your notebooks, art supplies, creativity, and vulnerability out on the table – cos’ you are going to need it!
Becky Lee Pearson
Day 1
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:4, Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 16:32
Love is patient
It lets the other person finish their sentence.
It listens carefully.
It gives people second chances.
It gives people 17456 chances too.
It isn’t frazzled quickly.
It doesn’t scare easy.
It lets others go first.
It is calm in a storm.
It expects little and gives selflessly.
It isn’t anxious about tomorrow and impulsive without caution.
It accepts more, advises less.
It cares more, corrects less.
It affirms more, admonishes less.
It encourages more, expects less.
It isn’t frustrated with people’s flaws.
It doesn’t try to fix others.
It tries to be there for them in their brokenness.
It shows up when someone is suffering.
It upholds them in prayer.
When someone is at their worst,
it wishes them the best.
And, when it feels like things are never going to change…
Love waits.
Love is patient.
A few self-reflection questions:
- Do your family and close friends describe you as “patient”?
- How can you work on loving people you often get impatient with?
- What are some situations that make you impatient, and how can you practice learning to wait?
Journalling Prompt:
Get your journal out and write down the phrase “_______ is PATIENT” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to practice being patient and loving others like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.
Day 2
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:4, Ephesians 4:32, Proverbs 11:17
Love is kind
It is welcoming, approachable, and pleasant to be around.
It isn’t unfriendly and standoffish.
It isn’t cold and distant.
It certainly isn’t malicious and insensitive.
It looks out for that one person that everyone has cast aside.
It makes friends with those whom most avoid.
It goes out of its way to do something considerate.
It is thoughtful, attentive, and helpful.
It empathises with others easily.
It is drawn to those in need and seeks to serve.
It doesn’t look the other way.
It goes the extra mile without making an Instagram post about it.
It is gentle to those who are hurting.
It knows when not to laugh at a joke.
It shares without thinking and gives with abandon.
It genuinely compliments and doesn’t indulge in flattery.
It smiles at strangers, honours the elderly, and plays with children.
It wears the other person’s shoes; it thinks from their perspective.
It gives them the benefit of the doubt.
When nothing nice can be said about someone…
Love says nothing at all.
Love is kind.
A few self-reflection questions:
- Would people who interact with you describe you as “kind”?
- Are there certain people in your life you struggle to show kindness and compassion to?
- How can your actions show that you are kind to others – even strangers?
Journalling Prompt:
Get your journal out and write down the phrase “_______ is KIND” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to practice being kind and compassionate to others like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.
Day 3
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:4, Proverbs 14:30, Galatians 5:26, Hebrews 13:5
Love does not Envy
It truly celebrates the successes of others.
It compares less and compliments more.
It isn’t bitter when someone’s doing better.
It isn’t resentful at another’s revelries.
It doesn’t one-up someone else’s story.
It is completely content when the spotlight is on others.
It doesn’t make a deal about being left out.
It is okay when forgotten at a vote of thanks.
It is secure and not threatened by other’s victories.
It doesn’t copy others; it is confident in its identity.
It isn’t jealous of a friend’s finances and following.
It runs its race with a fixed gaze on Jesus.
It doesn’t worry about who appears to be running better.
It isn’t intimidated by greatness but inspired by it.
It is as content on the sidelines as it is on the stage.
It cheers from the sidelines for a friend on the stage.
It doesn’t covet someone else’s crown.
It doesn’t take offence at another’s applause.
When it seems like nothing in life is going right…
Love doesn’t wish it were someone else.
Love does not envy.
A few self-reflection questions:
- Have you struggled with envious feelings towards people around you?
- Can you think about what aspects of others’ lives make you covet them or what they have?
- How can you practice gratitude and contentment more intentionally?
Journalling Prompt:
Get your journal out and write down the phrase “_______ does not ENVY” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to practice gratitude and contentment like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.
Day 4
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:4, Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 11:2, Philippians 2:3
Love is not proud
It does not boast. It does not show off.
Its speech isn’t riddled with “I”, “Me,” and “Myself”.
It isn’t too smug to ask for help.
It isn’t overconfident.
It isn’t arrogant and conceited.
It doesn’t think it is better than others.
It doesn’t assume it already knows something.
It doesn’t flaunt its knowledge.
It doesn’t name-drop.
It doesn’t see itself as too good to perform certain tasks.
It doesn’t constantly feel the need to teach people lessons.
It doesn’t often become the centre of attention.
It doesn’t disregard the advice of others.
It isn’t constantly critical of people.
It doesn’t disparage their choices.
It doesn’t blatantly belittle people’s opinions.
It doesn’t consistently need affirmation and attention.
It isn’t unreceptive to constructive criticism.
It isn’t overly obsessed with appearances.
It doesn’t value status, fame, and following.
It doesn’t rebel against authority.
It isn’t overly judgemental.
It doesn’t talk down to people.
It doesn’t consider itself more spiritual than others.
It isn’t argumentative and aggressive.
It isn’t overly confrontational.
It doesn’t find a way to talk about itself when someone else is sharing their heart.
It is humble, modest, and extremely respectful.
It serves, it gives, it listens, it supports.
It is emotionally intelligent and situationally aware.
It nurtures relationships and puts others first.
It is curious and always wants to learn.
It is eager to be better and quick to repent.
It speaks its mind and doesn’t use sarcasm as a crutch.
It honours others and gives respect where it is due.
It makes conversations about others.
It accepts correction, feedback, and advice.
It assumes responsibility and is accountable.
When everything is going perfectly well
When success is at hand, and there is no want,
When happiness, health, and wealth abound…
Love doesn’t feel like it doesn’t need God.
Love is not proud.
A few self-reflection questions:
- What subtle and obvious forms of pride are you struggling with?
- Have you felt so content in your life – your achievements and abundance – that you didn’t feel a need for God?
- How can you work on being genuinely more humble and putting God above all things in your life?
Journalling Prompt:
Get your journal out and write down the phrase “_______ is not PROUD” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to practice walking in humility like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.
Day 5
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:5, Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 2:17, Exodus 20:12
Love does not dishonour
It places high value on people.
It recognises the image of God in others.
It highly esteems others knowing that they are autographed by God.
It doesn’t treat people as ordinary or nothing special.
It encourages and builds up.
It believes in the best.
It doesn’t demean, degrade, and disgrace people.
It doesn’t constantly call out people’s flaws.
It doesn’t ridicule, taunt and insult.
It doesn’t reduce people to one their one toxic trait.
It sees the worth in someone despite their weaknesses.
It doesn’t tear down someone with words.
It enjoys discussion and dialogue more than debate.
It doesn’t devalue the person it disagrees with.
It doesn’t cancel people who offend it.
It isn’t easily offended at all!
It doesn’t assume the worst about someone just because of a rumour.
It doesn’t expose their errors or show their shortcomings to others.
It deeply values people despite their personal political, moral, religious, and social worldview.
Their financial standing, status, and position don’t affect their substance.
It doesn’t define people by their habits, eccentricities, and quirks.
It doesn’t determine what they are made of based on their opinions.
It regards parents and elders as forerunners and doesn’t discount their importance because they are imperfect.
In a culture that mocks the idea of God confidently,
Denies His existence completely,
And defies His authority conceitedly;
Love honours God through every ounce of its being.
Love does not dishonour.
A few self-reflection questions:
- Have you found yourself “dishonouring God” in your actions, words and thoughts?
- Can you think of instances when you’ve dishonoured those in leadership over you?
- How can you work on being more honouring in your relationships?
Journalling Prompt:
Get your journal out and write down the phrase “_______ does not DISHONOUR” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to practice being honourable and respectful to others like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.
Day 6
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:5, Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 10:24, Romans 15:1-2
Love is not self-seeking
Love let’s someone else have its seat.
It prefers others over itself.
Love isn’t obsessed with its own happiness,
It actively puts the happiness of others ahead of itself.
When only one of their favourite things is left,
Love is comfortable sharing it with someone else.
Love doesn’t promote its own propaganda.
It doesn’t have ulterior motives.
It isn’t frustrated when it doesn’t get what it wants.
It isn’t offended when someone doesn’t give it attention.
It is deeply, truly satisfying, and joyful when others succeed.
It isn’t trying to get noticed or put in a good word for itself.
It passionately desires the well-being of others and earnestly celebrates their wins.
In a “me-first” world where the rat race is everything and advertising your agenda is what gets you ahead;
Love is completely comfortable saying “You first.”
Love isn’t self-seeking.
A few self-reflection questions:
- Can you think of situations where you’ve looked out for yourself only – disregarding what others might want in that situation?
- Do you treat others with a “you first” attitude – prioritising their needs over your needs?
- How you truly celebrate the success of others around you?
Journalling Prompt:
Get your journal out and write down the phrase “_______ is not SELF-SEEKING” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to practice putting others first like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.
Day 7
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:5, Ephesians 4:31-32, Luke 6:37, Mark 11:25
Love keeps no record of wrongs
Love has goldfish memory when it comes to others’ misgivings and faults.
It doesn’t let bitterness and hurt fester in its heart for long.
It doesn’t let anger stew.
It doesn’t look at people through the lens of their past.
It doesn’t make up its mind about people based on “the latest juice” or “gossip” heard about them.
Love doesn’t hold on to offence with a tight grip.
It is willing to let go and start afresh.
It’s willing to pick up the phone and make the first call.
It’s not afraid to make things right even when it is not in the wrong.
Love doesn’t always remind others of the times they goofed up. It doesn’t mock their mistakes and ridicule their weaknesses.
It believes people are capable of change and is hopeful even about the basket cases.
When everyone gives up on someone, love doesn’t.
It doesn’t measure people by their track record.
When it’s deeply and intentionally hurt by someone over and over again;
Despite their seemingly unchanging patterns of behaviour,
Love takes a deep breath and says, “Once more”.
“Once more I’ll forgive them, because as painful and undeserving as that is,
that’s exactly what Jesus would do”.
Love keeps no record of wrongs.
A few self-reflection questions:
- Are you struggling with bitterness and unforgiveness towards someone in your life?
- How can you work towards not just forgiving that person but also not holding close to the memories of the hurt or offence they caused you?
- How do you bring this person before God today and ask Him to help you love them – even if you feel they don’t deserve it?
Journalling Prompt:
Get your journal out and write down the phrase “_______ keeps no record of WRONGS” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to forgive others and love them unconditionally like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.
Day 8
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:6, Romans 12:9, Proverbs 4:14-15, Ephesians 6:14, Galatians 1:10
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth
Love doesn’t feel secretly satisfied with anyone’s suffering, no matter how deserving it feels they are of it.
Love doesn’t think, “You got what was coming to you” when things go south for people who hurt them.
Love doesn’t celebrate sin.
It doesn’t enjoy anything evil.
It doesn’t get pleasure from the pain of others.
It doesn’t indulge in corruption and malpractices.
It is squeaky clean through and through.
It doesn’t grease the palms of the wicked or give bribes to get things done quicker.
It doesn’t indulge in idolatry.
It doesn’t stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
Instead, love delights in the Word of God and recognizes the Bible as the ultimate truth. Love celebrates this truth and isn’t ashamed of sharing it with others.
Love relishes it when justice prevails and is ecstatic when righteous men prosper.
It is a crusader for all things right and is willing to take a stand for its convictions.
Love has great clarity about what’s right and what’s wrong.
There’s no grey areas and ambiguity when it comes to sin.
Love isn’t afraid to do the right thing even when everyone around is comfortable choosing not to do it.
In a time when immorality is commemorated and sin is justified as lifestyle choices,
love joyfully chooses to disagree and boldly takes the unpopular side of things.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.
A few self-reflection questions:
- Do you delight in the failure and downfall of people you dislike? Have you gloated when someone you aren’t fond of is suffering?
- Do you find yourself often in the company of people who tempt you to sin?
- Do you actively choose truth and boldly take a stand on what’s right – even when others aren’t?
Journalling Prompt:
Get your journal out and write down the phrase “_______ does not delight in EVIL but rejoices in the TRUTH” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to shun evil and boldly choose truth like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.
Day 9
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:7, Proverbs 31:8-9, Isaiah 1:17, James 1:12, 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.
It is fiercely defensive of its tribe.
Like a lioness defends her cubs, love is intensely protective of those it cares about.
Love always stands up for people when they are being attacked and talks highly of them when they are not around.
It has people’s backs and creates a safe space for people to be themselves.
Love doesn’t have trust issues.
It assumes the best in any situation and has deep faith in the goodness of others.
It truly believes that people can change.
It hopes for the best to happen and really roots for others.
It keeps on keeping on.
When the going gets tough, love gets going.
It can stick with something and see it through to completion.
It’s got steely-eyed determination when it comes to commitment.
It is dependable and someone you can lean on.
It doesn’t scare easily or give up too soon.
It lasts long, really long.
Love doesn’t fade over time; it doesn’t dwindle or slowly run out.
Love only grows stronger with time.
When there’s an acute need for people who are reliable, optimistic, and committed, love stands out as trustworthy, hopeful, steadfast, faithful, unswerving, and strong.
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
Love never fails.
A few self-reflection questions:
- Are you super protective of others – their reputations and their needs?
- Do you trust easily, or are you someone who is always suspicious of people’s motives?
- Do you choose to hope in dire situations and in people around you that others might have given up on?
- Are you someone who is known to “persevere” and “press on” even in challenging situations?
Journalling Prompt:
Get your journal out and write down the phrase “_______ always PROTECTS, always TRUSTS, always HOPES and always PERSEVERES. _______ never fails” (insert your name in the blank space). Now, use your creativity through words, art, painting, doodling, or whatever your creative expression is to bring this page alive intentionally – in a way that you’d remember to protect, trust, hope, and persevere like 1 Cor 13 expects us to.