[07/25/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
As Paul was writing to the church at Corinth relative to things which were not being done in a proper manner among them, he took a pause in the discussion to say, “And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31) What he interjected at that point was a focus on the necessity (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) of true godly love and even described some specific aspects of it.
We read. . .
“(4) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (5) or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; (6) it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. (7) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (8) Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a ESV)
Clearly this is a love which can be noted as other-centered. It is the mark of loving beyond the sphere of one’s own interests and duly considering others. Perhaps from this list we can see ways in which we could love better; more excellently! However, included in the list of being loving is a refusal to rejoice over wrongdoing but to rejoice with what is true. Therefore, we see that being loving in a proper manner still includes some discernment between what is acceptable and that which is not.
Let us consider not only how we love, but also what we love. Considering how there are those who refuse to love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), do we? Regardless of what may be considered acceptable around us in this world, does our life reflect a love for the truth? May we consider how foundational love needs to be to our life as we also consider the foundational truth on which it rests!
Have a great day WITH A LOVE THAT INSISTS ON GOD’S WAY!
Carl
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