Happy Farm Sunday!
1 Corinthians 13, a chapter cherished by many, has resounded through the ages with its profound message on love. It’s a familiar passage, often recited at weddings and printed on decorative pieces. But today, let’s reflect upon it through the lens of a stray hound named Earl that wandered into our lives this week.
Earl’s soulful brown eyes told a story. A story of longing, of seeking protection, trust, hope, and perseverance. His gaze was a gentle reminder of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
The easy path, and perhaps the one most trodden, would be to simply “add him to the mix”, to become another face among our beloved pets. But true love, the kind that the Apostle Paul speaks of, requires us to think beyond ourselves. To claim Earl without thought would be a selfish act, considering our older dogs and their unique dispositions.
Earl deserves a love that mirrors the blueprint God has given us in 1 Corinthians 13—a love that sees beyond the superficial and dives deep into the heart of the matter. He deserves a home where he’s the center of attention, a place where he can trust, hope, and find protection.
This Sunday, as you tend to your farms, nurture your animals, or spend time with loved ones, let Earl’s journey serve as a reminder. Reflect on the depth of 1 Corinthians 13. Truly absorb the meaning of love that “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Love, in its purest form as described by God, is transformative. Earl’s unwavering trust and hope in us are lessons in themselves. And just as he perseveres, we too will do whatever is needed, ensuring he finds a home filled with the same boundless love that God has called us to extend.
Take a moment today to ask: How can I embody the love from 1 Corinthians 13 in my daily actions? Remember, love is truly the greatest when given as God has laid it out for us. And in the eyes of a stray hound named Earl, that love shines ever so brightly.