This meditation was placed on five different pages, and intended to be processed in sequence.

page 1

1 Corinthians 13 is the bible passage most often read at weddings.
In it, Paul encourages us to love in the way that we ourselves are loved by God - “extravagantly”.

It’s a fantastically inspirational piece of writing.

Here it is.

(We’ve used the version from ‘The Message’ bible...)

page 2

Spend some time just thinking about a loved one
(friend, family, God, spouse, whoever...)
Think about who they are, the things that make them unique...
Be thankful for them.

Now ask yourself, “How ‘extravagant’ is my love for that person?”

page 3

Consider your love for them in the light of the lines that we’ve helpfully highlighted in blue. [From "Love never gives up..." to "...going to the end."]

Ask yourself, for example,
“Is my love for x a love that never gives up?”
Or “Does my love for x ‘put up with anything’?”...Take your time.

Be honest with yourself and before God...

page 4

The aim here is not to make you feel guilty. After all, we are peering through a mist, squinting in a fog - the Complete has not yet come...

Rather, it’s chance for some honest reflection and evaluation.

page 5

Before you move on, take a small list and write your loved one’s name across it. Take it with you as you go, as a reminder and an encouragement to love them extravagantly...