But The Greatest Of These Is Love

By: Jungsoo Shim, Summer Intern in Flemingdon Park

So far, it has been a blast interning at Flemingdon Park. Meeting the campers for the first time, serving with staff and mission teams, having swim days and field trips, doing all sorts of fun activities with the kids, talking and laughing with them, learning more about God with them -- all these moments have been a huge blessing from God, and it makes me excited to see what He has in store for the long term.

But to be honest, there have been times when it was so difficult to stay excited and joyous while serving at Sonshine Day Camp. Struggling to find the discipline to wake up early, preparing activities, kids not listening to their leaders, campers failing to get along with each other, kids begging for things they want, seeing leaders get frustrated, and me getting sick. These were the toughest times, as I began to lose sight of God’s will and how Christ loves us.

So, what sustained me and replenished my passion to serve the kids at Flemingdon Park? Scripture. God’s gracious words. It was more refreshing than a cold bottle of cola on a hot summer day.

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul talks about love. In everything we do, we should do it out of love. Without love, all things amount to nothing. This passage reminded me to always serve in love and it led me to meditate on God’s love for us. God’s love has so many beautiful aspects, one of them being unconditional. Through meditation and seeing how Christ loves the sinner, my heart was set on the right path, and it brought me peace and rest. God gave me the strength and energy to love and serve the children, through a constant reminder of His love for us.

I was then able to be patient, talk with them, understand them, encourage them, exhort them, discipline them, and put them before myself. But above all else, I could love them because God loved me first.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13

Jungsoo is serving at Flemingdon Park during the summer. He most enjoys having fruitful conversations with the children, and using these interactions to share the gospel.