Christina Patterson

The Bible can be an intimidating read. Like many good things, the most challenging part is simply getting started.

“I shall not want” because God, as a good shepherd, will ensure I have everything I need.

Paul's Thorn In The Flesh

The Apostle Paul played a significant part in not only establishing the early Church but also writing much of the New Testament. Once a killer of Christians, Paul's conversion story to become a follower of Christ is truly fascinating. Throughout his writing, you can clearly see his laser-focused passion for sharing with non-believers the Good News of Jesus Christ. His passion and obedience to God were fruitful. Many came to know Jesus Christ because of the persistence and work of Paul, but this came with much sacrifice on his part. In Acts 9:16 God says:

“For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

Paul’s ministry would be far from easy. In his second letter to the Church of Corinth, we get a small understanding of the suffering Paul was required to endure for the sake of Christ.

“Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited,” 2 Corinthians 12:6-7.

Paul received visions and revelations from God that he could boast about if he wanted. However, he refuses to do so because he is committed not to boast in himself, but in God alone. Paul shares that to keep himself humble, God has given him a thorn in his flesh. We are not sure what the thorn is or why Paul decides not to go into more detail, but I think we can all relate to having thorns in our lives. Those persistent areas of suffering and weakness that we wish would just go away.

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“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The more that I grow in my relationship with God, the more His love compels everything that I do, say, and desire. When God had every right to turn His back on me, He showed me the greatest love I have ever experienced. His love has changed me in the best ways possible, and I pray I spend the rest of my life growing to know His love even more and sharing His love with others.

This world has a lot of counterfeits that will try to take the place of true, holy, and pure biblical love, but all will fail in comparison. Once you’ve seen what’s true, you will immediately know what is counterfeit. For this reason, as believers, it should be our goal to know God’s love more, every single day. As we do, we’ll quickly learn these seven characteristics of God’s love that make it so beautiful.

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