“Love is patient, love is kind, love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, DOES NOT ACT IMPROPERLY, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs.” -1 Corinthians 13:4-5
These words about love seem so far removed from our cultural practice. Much of what is claimed to be love today is so self-absorbed that it justifies impatience; thinks getting angry is reasonable; that wanting what others has is noble; that bragging is just confidence; and conceit is only looking out for number one (because no one else will)!
I zeroed in on the phrase “does not act improperly.” I think it captured my attention because it is so broad in scope. Love, true love as defined by God, is never improper. This word is so broad it encompasses anything that can be seen as improper. Love, doesn’t even want to come close to the line, let alone cross it. It is similar to Ephesians 5:3, “But among you there MUST NOT BE EVEN A HINT of sexual immorality, OR OF ANY KIND OF IMPURITY, or of greed, BECAUSE THESE ARE IMPROPER for God’s holy people.” Love refuses to do anything that would be improper from God’s point of view.
My love must not be improper. Loving others leaves no room for using people for my own advantage. It means loving others leads to refusing to look on anyone else in a condescending way. It means loving others will never manipulate, play mind games, or coerce. It means being selfless, kind, and unconditionally forgiving.
Papa, only You can love this way perfectly, but continue to grow my love for others to look more and more like Your love for them!
JT
Readings for Day 75 – Psalm 100, Luke 15:11-32, Ezekiel 34:11-16, Psalm 128, 1 Samuel 28-31
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