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 keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6).

Love does not leave you to sin.

Some relationships make us better people. Like the “iron sharpens iron” verse (Proverbs 27:27), some people call you to think better, act better, basically be better. Just being with them draws you closer to God and seems to bring out the best in you.

Stick with those people. 

Because there are others, aren’t there? Those who, by word and example, bring you down. 

Maybe it’s  coarse joking. 

Maybe it’s encouragement to skip church. 

Maybe it’s taking a physical relationship way beyond what’s appropriate because you’re “in love.” 

Maybe it’s a friendly dare to engage in global ecoterrorism or kidnap your friend’s grandma so you can use the ransom money for a massive party at Chuck E. Cheese.

Here’s the deal, Beloved: if being with this person–whether it’s friendship or romance or family–doesn’t bring you closer to Christ, then it’s not love as God intended it.

So be careful who, and how, you love today.

Happy Tuesday