Wow!  God didn’t waste any time speaking to me about what the abundant life looks like! It was just yesterday that the question kept surfacing in my thought life.  It seems that God wants to keep the topic fresh in my heart and mind. Our pastor spoke these exact words just today in the sermon about connecting with other believers, “There is no abundant life if we aren’t living life together.”

Not only were my pastor’s words a confirmation that God is leading me to study this topic, but also the words in one of my daily devotions. The author stated that abundant life must be mirrored by love, the type described in 1 Corinthians 13.  So of course I went directly to that famous chapter we so often hear read at weddings. The first three verses are the “if I do (fill in the blank)” without love, then I am just a loud, obnoxious noise that is nothing and gains nothing. The next five verses give a clear description of what real love is. Are you ready for this?

Love is patient.

Love is Kind.

Love does not envy.

Love does not boast.

Love is not proud.

Love does not dishonor others.

Love is not self-seeking.

Love is not easily angered.

Love does not keep a record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil.

Love rejoices in the truth.

Love always protects.

Love always trusts.

Love always hopes.

Love always perseveres.

Love never fails.

Uh oh! I would love to be able to say that my life mirrors all of these attributes, but sadly I cannot.  I have a lot of work to do! But praise God I do not have to do it on my own.  I have His Holy Spirit residing in me.  He is my Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, and Standby who will teach me all things and help me remember everything that Jesus taught (John 14: 26 Amplified Bible).

I don’t’ want to overwhelm myself or anyone else who may read this, so my next blog post will  focus on the first trait of love listed here which is patience because I definitely want an abundant life.  Can’t wait! LOL!