What’s Inside: Love
is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not
proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not
easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always
trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7). This is how
we show love to everyone around us. We went into detail with the first two
verses of this passage in parts one and two of this post series (click here if you missed it). This week we conclude our talk about love for our neighbor
being the first indication that we have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our
neighbor is not just anyone around us but everyone around us including our
enemies. It is easy to love this nice people. But, how do you show love for
that boss who makes you feel less than, that coworker who constantly tries to undermine you, that parent who refuses to support your choices or that clerk
with the nasty attitude? Let's explore 1 Corinthians 13:7.
DO NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL: It resides in all of us - the
draw to what is ratchet, juicy, even a little bit evil. It’s why sex sells. It
is why the news circuits blast over and over the most tragic and negative stories,
and the worst behaved contestant on reality shows get a spin-off. It’s why
paparazzi pine for shots of celebrities at their worst.We are drawn to darkness; we enjoy the rise and fall of the
hero. Sin is our human nature, therefore
bad news sells. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to
the inmost parts (Prov. 18:8 & 26:22). But, our command from Jesus Christ
to love one another challenges us to rise above that. Sin might be our human
nature but as Christians we are new creations and charged with resisting what
was once natural. We need not take part or pleasure in the demise of the people
around us - not even our enemies: "Do
not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles do not let your heart
rejoice" (Proverbs 24:17). I hope you would instead choose to pray
for others in love (even celebrities you don’t know). Do not delight in evil.
REJOICE WITH THE TRUTH: I will be
one of the first to say that it can be hard to hear criticism about myself. I
hate to be reminded that I am not perfect. But humbly accepting that gives room
for growth and improvement. I love the illustration that an attorney friend of
mine gave about her attitude in the courtroom. Her desire is not for winning
but for getting to the truth. It’s not about who is right or wrong but what in
right and just and true. This might sound idealistic but it bears truth outside
the courtroom as well. The truth is sometimes we are wrong and need to be
corrected. Our hearts should not be with taking sides but accepting the truth
even if it hurts. Love gives room for justice and the truth gives way for mercy
to be properly applied. "An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips"
(Proverbs 24:26). Rejoice with the truth.
Always PROTECT:
One fascinating aspect about human behavior is what we love to do when we find
out the truth. Once we learn it we feel it is our duty to expose it to everyone
no matter who it hurts or destroys. God’s nature and the way of love is to
cover and protect us. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he
removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). This does not mean that we are
not properly dealt with when we are wrong, but I wonder if the entire world has
to know about it. What good does it actually do for everybody else? When leaders
fall, when we sin or mess up, there will be consequences – and there should be.
But love corrects privately unless truly necessary. “Whoever would foster
love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close
friends” (Proverbs 17:9). "Be not overcome by evil, but overcome
evil with good" (Romans 12:21). "Blessed are the peace makers
for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). “Above all,
love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter
4:8). Always protect.
Always TRUST: Simply
put, give others the befit of the doubt. I would still say exercise wisdom, but
avoid being a cynic. If that coworker or ex-lover tells you he or she has
changed, believe him and allow him to prove himself. People can’t get over on
you if you give them permission. “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.
If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek
also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your
coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two
miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who
wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5 39-42). “But I tell you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father
in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45). “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate
you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke
6:27-28). This is a lot. This is serious. I believe that it takes serious trust
in God to live this out. Always trust.
Always HOPE: Hope
only exists for what has not yet been realized. In love for others we hope for
the best, to see dreams fulfilled, good realized and potential reached. We hope
that that son or daughter will finally turn their life around or that parent
will see the error in their ways. We hope that the relationship can be
reconciled and that things will get better. "Finally, brothers,
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy – think about such things" (Philippians 4:8). Keep hope
alive.
Always PERSEVERE: I pray that we never give up one
another. This may be a lot to ask. We all make so many mistakes and leave a
trail of broken and disappointed hearts in our wake. Knowing that we are
capable of brining harm to others I hope that we would not give up on the many
who will hurt us along the way. Maybe if we keep pursuing that relationship a
little while longer, that student will make a life change be it great or small.
If you continue to “kill” that co-worker with kindness, you might actually get
her to smile. You never know. It is a heavy burden, but we are asked to carry
it in love. So long as we have hope, we will be willing to persevere in love.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do
not give up” (Galatians 6:9) “And let us consider how we may spur one another
on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in
the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the
Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Always persevere.
“Therefore as
God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, cloth yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive
whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them
all in perfect unity" (Colossians 3:12).
The type of Love that God calls us to is a kind of
sacrificial love. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life
for his friends (John 15:13 BSB). The world may view these actions as weakness.
But, God has commanded those of us who are called by His name to love. And
then, He plainly and distinctly gave us examples of how to do so. The Holy
Spirit only wishes to live through us. To do otherwise would be unwise.
I hope that you were truly blessed by this piece. The
conversation continues about the Fruit of the Spirit as the litmus test of our
relationship with Christ. Please leave me your comments below. I’d love, love,
love to hear from you.
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