Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; I Corinthians 13:4 NKJV
The characteristics of love are on full display in today's extract. It is easy to claim to love someone; the proof is in daily interaction with other people, and the decisions made. I can make any kind of claim about my love for other people, but my outer life's profession is the loudest testament to my inner life's confession.
There is nothing hasty or unprepared about love. Long before the tests come, love has already drawn on the grace available through the source of love on how it will react in those tests. When you say love suffers long and is kind, it is because it has been tested and found to be true. There would have been times when it was easier to lash out than hold it in, or when it was easier to insist on your own good rather than another person's, but love seeks the higer, nobler path by seeking someone else's welfare, most times at its own expense.
There is no envy in love, because it is not focused first on selfish gain, but on the other person's welfare. You can't keep an eye on doing good to another, and still be pursuing personal gain at the same time. Such hypocrisy is usually revealed before long, as it is impossible to serve or submit to two different masters or priorities at the same time. There is no room for pride because love is always all-encompassing, leaving no room for self to take control.
And I note that human attributes are given to love, so that we know that these attributes are possible, if we depend on the One whose power makes all things possible. I cannot do any of these things by myself, as I don't have the power, resources or wisdom to do it right. I must totally depend on His grace and strength, and I must seek Him daily in prayer and bible study and fellowship, so that I can grow in my knowledge of Him and what He expects from me. Who's in charge in there? Who do you answer to? His time of favour is here.
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