“And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 AMP)
REFLECTION
While exploring the Chinese city of Xian, I spotted a mysterious market — beckoning me with Chinese scrolls and traditional Chinese clothing, nestled between Chinese tea shops with red winged roofs. I weaved through the market, appreciating the Chinese calligraphy beautifully painted onto silk scrolls. There was one particular calligraphy artist who fascinated me. I found her surrounded by her work, painting Chinese characters with a long, wooden Chinese brush. She looked so poignantly peaceful. She created a beautiful Chinese scroll for me, which translated to faith, hope and love. As I write this, the scroll hangs in my studio in Hong Kong, more than twelve years after she gave it to me. It has travel all over Asia with me — a much needed reminder of 1 Corinthians 13:13. May we memorise and meditate on God’s truth, until it’s etched on our hearts and evident in our everyday lives.
PRAYER POEM: Loved + Known
LORD, Your selfless sacrifice atoned my sin ~ so I may enter in and learn the ways of love from above.
May I never You grieve ~ help me more deeply Your love receive, and with joy and peace deeply believe.
By You I am eternally loved and known ~ in You is my forever home.
