EPISODE 27 – THE PRACTICE OF LOVE 2

 

“…love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NKJV)

 

From yesterday we delved more into the things which love does and things love doesn’t do.

These are not some definitions of love but practical applications of the radical love of God.

We’ve already looked at “Love suffers long and Love is Kind”.

We move on to others things the Apostle Paul mentioned.

3. Love does not envy.

To envy means to zealously burn or boil with a desire of jealousy.

It’s a burning desire to covet or have the attainment of the other. To love is not to be depressed or desperately dispirited about someone’s joy. Love celebrates the achievements of others with a genuine open heart. There is no explanation to justify envy. As the love of God is at work in you, choose to ignore envy. It is the choke-off experience, which results in depression and disappointment.

The more you compare yourself with others and think of how you should have what they have; the more you incubate envy.

Think beyond yourself. Acknowledge and celebrate the workings of God’s grace in others. Envy makes the success of others the focus instead of the Lord Jesus. It leaves you in sorrow and makes you not to even acknowledge and be content with what Christ has given you.

4. Love does not parade itself

Love does not force itself to gain recognition. When you begin to feel insecure, you will do everything to be to have the center of attention. You want to be the one to take the stage and be seen by all. That is not love.

Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mt 20: 28)

This love is not looking for the attention and the center stage. This love is demonstrating great level of humility.

We saw previously how Jesus, washed the feet of His disciples.

The word used in king James is, “Vaunteth”, its from the Greek word “perpereuomai”; which means a lot of self-talk. In other words, it describes a person who endlessly promotes himself and exaggerates his own virtues.

Love is not braggadocious.

Allow Christ to increase in you. Grow beyond self-occupation and walk in the reality of your love-life.

There is so much rest in this love.

I hope this blessed you.

Let me know how this blessed you in the comment session.