[Love] does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13:5

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A new year starts tomorrow. And with it comes a fresh start. God’s mercies are new every morning, but January 1^st somehow feels more significant. Maybe it’s our wide-eyed anticipation of all that’s to come? Or is it the hope that what held us back last year has finally lost its grip? Either way, followers of Jesus need to ask a big question before stepping into another new year—Will love stick in ’26?

What kind of question is that?! “Of course it will,” I tell myself as I brush off something so obvious. Love is central to faith. Love is at the core of relationships. Love is what makes or breaks life as we know it. I’ve read 1 Corinthians 13:8 so many times, “Love never fails.” But the question “Will love stick in ’26?” isn’t pointed at God. It’s directed at me—a sometimes wishful thinker when it comes to loving well. I often keep score when it comes to others’ lack of love, but what about me?

The eve of a new year is a perfect time to look back before charging ahead. Last year I was hopeful that I’d be more loving than the year before, but was I? 1 Corinthians 13:5 lays out a powerful inventory:

• How often did I dishonor others more than honor them?
• When was I more self-seeking or others-serving?
• How frequently was I easily angered versus even-tempered?
• What grudges did I add to my record of wrongs list and what was forgiven?

Honestly, this is an intimidating assignment. And we tend to be harder on ourselves than we deserve. You may feel like you failed at loving well in 2025, but you didn’t. None of us is perfect. On the other hand, can you and I love God and others better in 2026? I believe so. Instead of keeping score, commit to choosing to love even when you’re wronged. Leave judgment in God’s hands. And hold your hands open instead of clinging to what you feel you are owed.

But for today, let’s make it even simpler. Focus on remembering how well Jesus loves and keeps loving you. It’s from the overflow of this reality that no matter what lies ahead, if you walk with God this year, love will stick in ’26.

Next Steps

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think God pointed this out? And what is one way you can live out love differently in 2026 as a result?

Take a moment to write out a prayer asking God to lead you in loving well this year. To help it stick, share your prayer with a friend or someone in your small group.