Love does not…
Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil. Love also does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:5-7).
Paul is straightforward in these verses. He was speaking to Christians who were failing to demonstrate the love of Christ. We are all capable of rudeness, wanting our own way, being provoked to anger and retaliation, and finding fault. But these are not excuses. God has given His Holy Spirit who manifests in us love, joy and peace. Rudeness is replaced by longsuffering, kindness, and goodness (Galatians 5:22). Having the mind of Christ removes selfish ambition and conceit. Instead, in lowliness, we esteem others better than ourselves. We don’t just look after ourselves, but we care for each other (Philippians 2:3-8). The fruit of the Spirit includes the power to be self-controlled. Instead of being provoked to anger and retaliation, we respond in love to stir up each other to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).
We live in a world that rejoices in iniquity. It has an unhealthy preoccupation with immoral behaviour and wickedness. This is often presented in the guise of the freedom of the press, but betrays a spirit of delight whenever it can spread across its front pages the failures, downfall and humiliation of celebrity, politician and ordinary citizen alike. King David was overwhelmed with sorrow when he heard his enemy Saul was dead. He said,
“The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places!
How the mighty have fallen” (2 Samuel 1:19).
We should never find pleasure in absorbing news of wickedness, nor in the belittling of the sufferings of others. Love sorrows over sin and always seeks God’s salvation for others.
Love rejoices in the truth. The Lord describes Himself as the truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life’” (John 14:6). In John 17:17 Jesus says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” We find Christ in the Scriptures. Through them we experience the sanctifying effect of the word of God in our lives. It produces in us the love which bears, believes, hopes and endures all things. Ultimately we discover, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
“Bearing all things” is love demonstrated in our care for others. “Enduring all things” is love shown in our circumstances, however testing: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). Love also believes all things. This is about the present. We should believe and live in the good of all the promises of God. We should also view people and events in the best light and not immediately think evil of other people. Love also hopes all things. This is about the future. Love is nurtured by the word of God and rejoices in doing His will today, trusting the love of Christ will bring blessing. It also has complete confidence in knowing the God who holds the future. His love never fails.
