Book · 10 chapters · 1 Corinthians 13
Love Intentionally
In ten short chapters, Pastor Rick Melick walks through it one phrase at a time (patient, kind, not proud, not rude, keeps no record of wrongs) and shows what each one looks like at home on a Monday morning. It’s honest, warm and often funny. Along the way you’ll meet a ladder on the freeway, a dog that ate four couches, and a pair of track spikes he had no business wearing.
Download free
Free. Pick the version that fits how you read.
One color at a time
Paul takes one beam of light, love, and splits it into fifteen colors. One chapter for each.
Love Is Patient
“Love is patient…” 1 Corinthians 13:4
Love Is Kind
“…love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
Want It, Got It, Flaunt It
“It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
Love Isn’t Rude
“It does not dishonor others…” 1 Corinthians 13:5
What Do You Need, What Can You Give Up?
“…it is not self-seeking…” 1 Corinthians 13:5
I’m Not Angry, I’m Just…
“…it is not easily angered…” 1 Corinthians 13:5
A Short Memory
“…it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5
Can You Handle the Truth?
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:6
Love Protects, Trusts and Hopes
“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes…” 1 Corinthians 13:7
Love Sticks Around
“…always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7–8
What's inside
Scripture first
Every chapter opens with its phrase from 1 Corinthians 13 and a passage to read first, in the NIV.
True stories
A ladder on the freeway, a dog that ate four couches, and a pair of track spikes.
Try It This Week
Five days of application after every chapter, a few minutes a day.
Reflect and pray
Key Truths, four questions for you or a group, and a closing prayer.
Memory verse
Love is patient, love is kind.
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
From Pastor Rick
Questions people ask
Short answers from Pastor Rick, with a link to where the book says more.
Isn’t “love keeps no record of wrongs” just letting people walk all over you?
No. Forgiveness and trust aren’t the same thing. Forgiving means I stop keeping score and stop trying to make you pay. It doesn’t mean I pretend nothing happened or hand you the keys again tomorrow. Trust gets rebuilt over time. Forgiveness can happen today.
Read more: Chapter 7, A Short Memory ›
What if I’m in a relationship that isn’t safe?
Then please hear this: 1 Corinthians 13 is not a reason to stay in danger. Love always protects, and sometimes the most loving thing is to protect yourself and your kids. Get somewhere safe and talk to someone you trust. If you need help finding that person, email me.
Read more: Chapter 9, Love Protects, Trusts and Hopes ›
I’m just not a patient person. Can that really change?
Yes, but not by trying harder for a week. Patience is part of the fruit of the Spirit. It grows when you stay connected to Jesus, and then you practice it on purpose. That’s why every chapter ends with five days of application. Love doesn’t happen by accident.
Read more: Chapter 1, Love Is Patient ›
Is this a marriage book?
It’s for anyone who loves anybody. Marriage shows up, because that’s where most of us get the most practice. But the chapters are about friends, coworkers, kids, neighbors, and the person who cut you off in the parking lot.
Read more: The Introduction ›
How should a group use it?
One chapter a week works well. Read it on your own, work through the five days of application, then use the For Reflection questions when you meet. The best conversations usually start with “Here’s what happened when I tried it.”
Read more: Chapter 1 and its Try It This Week ›
Rented House
See You on the Other Side
Sticking Around
Come and See
God Speaks: Jesus
Kids' Corner