Are We Loving? I Corinthians 13:4-8
"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it
is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails…"
is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails…"
Are we patient in the grocery store line, or slow moving traffic, or with elderly or disabled people? I Thessalonians 5:14 tells us to “encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
Are we kind even to our enemies?” Luke 6:27-36 explains how to love and treat everyone because that is how we want God to be with us, merciful, “kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.”
Are we envious of our neighbors’ new cars, or of Sister Sally’s extravagant wardrobe, or our recently promoted co-workers? I Timothy 6:6-10 states “(6) But Godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it, (8) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
Are we boastful or arrogant about our circumstances, accomplishments, or possessions? James 4:6, 10—“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble…Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
Are we rude? Follow Matthew 7:12, also known as “the Golden Rule.” Even when we correct each other, we are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15-16) We should never belittle or tear each other down. We should edify and build each other up (Ephesians 4:29-32)
Are we self-seeking? Is it all about us or is it all about God? Philippians 2:3 says “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Verses 1-11 talk about how even Jesus, who was crucified for our sins, gave God the glory.
Are we easily angered? Are we quick-tempered? Remember what James 1:19-20 says: “…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
Are we keeping records of wrongs? Are we holding grudges or not forgiving people who offended us today or 10 years ago? Matthew 18:21-22 tells us to constantly forgive people—so that we will also be forgiven by God for our own offenses.
Do we delight in evil or do we rejoice with the truth? Are we happy with our enemies’ misfortunes? Study Romans 12:9-21—“(9) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good…(14) Bless those who persecute you and do not curse.(15) Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn…(21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
I John 4:10-12: “ This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.”
As Christians, we should make sure our definition for love matches the scriptures, and that our actions show love—not just speak about love. I John 3:18 states “Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.”
--S.J. Harris, January 2009
