“And now I will show you the most excellent way.”

1 CORINTHIANS 12:31

We often put pressure on ourselves and others to be perfect. We have expectations in our families, marriages, work settings, classrooms, and so on of consistent, no-slip, stellar performance. These are hard standards to impose on flawed, sinful human beings.

Perfectionism is one way people who feel devalued attempt to establish their worth. But it’s a miserable self-appointment, both for the perfectionist and those who must live with him or her. A home can be shipwrecked by the crippling tension created from unrealistic demands. When perfectionism rules, someone is (or many people are) brought down.

The “most excellent way” Paul speaks of is through showing love that is patient and kind, that does not boast or act proud, that keeps no record of wrongs. When this kind of love fills a home or other setting, peace washes over everyone. Remember that this love has washed over you. You’ve received it perfectly in Jesus. Don’t be crushed under your failures. Be encouraged that Jesus gives His perfect record for you!

SCRIPTURE FOCUS

1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-7

INSIGHT

NEED SOME PEACE IN YOUR BUSY, CHAOTIC, LESS-THAN-PERFECT LIFE? READ MATTHEW 11:28-30 RIGHT NOW. JESUS INVITES YOU TO COME TO HIM AND FIND REST.

READ THE BIBLE

GENESIS 39-40 | PSALM 20 |MATTHEW 28