Devotion forgives the bad that shouldn’t be in you, celebrates the good that’s already in you, and believes the possibilities that could arise from within you.

When love morphs into devotion, it looks like 1 Corinthians 13.

1 Corinthians 13 devotion

If I succeed with the talents of men and angels, but don’t have devotion, I’m a resounding failure. If I have the gift of serving and can fix all problems and mend all relationships, and if I have all faith that can move mountains, but lack devotion, I’m nothing. If I give all my time and money to the poor and sacrifice for others, but don’t have devotion, I gain nothing.

Devotion is faithful and hopeful, it’s graceful and truthful. It doesn’t blame, excuse, neglect, or presume. It listens and connects, covers and overcomes, and loves before it feels loved. Devotion doesn’t get inactive or reactive because it’s always active and proactive.

Devotion never fails. It stands strong, kneels below, bows before, and serves alongside. It leads out because it serves under. Devotion sees past today’s challenges because it sees tomorrow’s champions. It’s ever learning, ever adapting, ever expanding. When I was a child, I loved like a child. But when I became an adult, my child-like love morphed into Christ-like devotion. For of all the virtues that please God, the greatest is reflecting His devotion.

There are many great “D” character qualities: Daring, Decisive, Dedicated, Dependable, Deploying, Determined, Devoted, Dignified, Diligent, Direct, Discerning, Discreet, Disciplined, Dreamer, Driven, and more. But I chose Devotion because it goes far deeper than a feeling of love.

Devotion:  The depth of character

Devotion – the depth of character – is a conviction that acts. It’s a gift returned to God (I John 4:19) and why we give it (John 3:16). It’s how we live (1 Cor. 16:14), for Whom we live, and in Whom we live (I John 4:16). It advances even when life retreats. It stands when relationships fall. Devotion is rooted in God’s character and built from your own character in order to mold someone else’s character. It affirms when you’re alone, enlivens when you’re empty, and sustains when you’re stuck. It’s the loyal, once-and-for-all, I-choose-you kind of abiding love.

Devotion is keen, enthusiastic, dedicated, and fervent. It’s fanatical, dutiful, staunch, and ever constant. It’s committed, affectionate, attentive, and supportive. Devotion is also unqualified, unrelenting, and unbroken. This kind of engaging, transcendent devotion comes only from God and flows from His filling.

Devotion, though, doesn’t come without conflict. Instead, it’s honed by conflict. It shines when iron sharpens iron (Prov. 27:17). It neither demands nor capitulates to demands. It’s a predisposition based a predetermination that draws people together in unity (Col. 3:14)

No family always reflects this depth of devotion, but we can try with a balance of grace and truth. We can be compassionate and cordial, forgiving and friendly, welcoming and warm, regardless of how others respond. Our care simply can’t depend upon someone else’s response. We can give it, no matter how they receive it. And when we do, our kids learn to see people’s faith, not their faults.

For the more we understand God’s devotion to us, the more we can’t help but be devoted to Him. And the more devoted we are to God, the more we are devoted to one another. That devotion is patient, kind, and rejoices in truth. It isn’t jealous, bragging, or arrogant. And in all things it bears, believes, hopes, and endures (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

With that depth of devotion, kids are ready to receive and, in turn, pass down the greatest of all gifts – being complete in Christ and devoted to one another in His love (Rom. 12:10). For three things will last forever: faith, hope, and devotion, but the greatest is devotion (1 Cor. 13:13).

What’s your “D” character quality?

Click here to select your own A-to Z character qualities. You’ll find a Free Printable Workbook with instructions and 300 sample character qualities to choose from.

Questions: How would God describe the depth of your devotion to Him? What “D” word captures the essence of the character you want for your family, and why?