JULY 23, 1 Corinthians 13:8a

John and Dad were in McDonald’s having breakfast. John commented, “I don’t think I will help Peter anymore,” John commented. “He never even says ‘Thank you’.” “How do you help Peter?” asked Dad.

“Oh, like sharing my food with him during recess, or telling him what homework we have to do when he is sick,” said John unhappily.

Feeling concerned, Dad gently asked, “Why did you help him in the first place?” John answered, “Because I wanted to be nice to him. Was I doing the right thing?”

“Aha, you’re right – be nice to him. And if you want to be nice, don’t you think you should continue to even if Peter never says ‘Thank you’?” asked Dad.

“So you think I am doing the right thing, and should continue?” asked John, this time happier.

“That’s right.” Dad replied. “By doing good to others, God is pleased. You do good to please God and not for thanks. You could say to yourself whenever you help Peter, “I’m helping Peter because I’m a Christian”. Then you won’t get tired of helping”, added Dad.

A Christian keeps on doing something good even though love does not come back. This virtue of loving others will carry on to eternity, even when we are in heaven. This is the meaning of “Charity never faileth”.

Thought: Who gives us the kind of love that never fails?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Lord Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Your love never fails. Help me to be willing to love others even if they do not love me in return. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.