This year as I considered my personal goals for 2013, I was struck by the often quoted passage of 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, sometimes referred to as the “love chapter” of the Bible.
Consider this revision of the love chapter as you contemplate God’s goals for you this year:
If I learn a foreign language this year, but have not love, I am no better than a noisy muffler.
If I become a spiritual giant, able to wow people by my giftedness, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I climb a mountain, get in shape or win a race, but have not love, I am nothing.
This year by God’s grace, I resolve to be patient with people who annoy me.
This year by God’s grace, I resolve to be kind when I’m inclined to be rude.
This year by God’s grace, I resolve to quite boasting about my accomplishments and will be happy for others.
This year by God’s grace, I resolve to look out for the best interest of others, not just for myself.
This year by God’s grace, I resolve to bite my tongue, not be hot-tempered and be a peace maker with others.
This year by God’s grace, I resolve to forgive everyone who offends me because Jesus forgave all my sins.
This year by God’s grace, I resolve to fight against evil by doing as much good as I possibly can.
This year by God’s grace, I resolve to protect those I love from harm, to trust God and put my hope in the Lord.
This year by God’s grace I resolve to not give up in doing good knowing that God’s love sustains me.
Friend, let’s remember Jesus words to us his followers this year, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) Whatever we may accomplish this year for ourselves, for others or for God, may it be motivated, sustained and carried out in love.
