Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV
The world has got all sorts of definitions for love, so it is important to make a distinction between the original and all other pretensions. There are even acts of sin that the world defines as 'making love', and the world's opinions are so strong that you just must know the truth if you are to take a decision.
If we look at today's extract, we read of at least two of the attributes of love. First, love does not delight in evil. As far as love is concerned, it is only interested in the good of other people, no matter their past or present. Love does not hold grudges or rejoice when an enemy falls. Love does not seek revenge. The world is becoming more and more complex as man keeps seeking new and novel ways to hurt other people, yet, the call for all who claim to know God is to live by different standards. That is the standard of love.
It doesn't just end on the fence, where love does not delight in evil. It is easy to claim that at least, you are not on the side of evil, but then, where is your allegiance? You may not promote evil, but are you actively seeking to establish and promote the truth? Do you rejoice with the truth? Am I a proponent and advocate for the truth, or do I just seek the path of least resistance, so I do not step on toes. Unfortunately, truth is not a popular concept, so be ready for opposition and resistance if you intend to stand for the truth.
These are two parallel sides, never destined to meet. You cannot play both sides, or sit on the fence. You are either promoting evil or promoting truth. Your silence on any matter isn't enough; you have got to make up your mind where your allegiance lies and stick to it.
All the above then leads to the question at the start. Love is defined from the perspective of truth, not what you and I think. Love is a concept that existed long before any dictionary was written so it will be difficult for a dictionary to properly define love. God defined it when he gave us his Son to die in our place due to our sins, and it is His love that keeps us going, even when we do not understand fully what is ahead. Any definition we hold on to must therefore flow from this understanding. True Love isn't an idea or concept; He is a person. The One who loves us enough to die for us, and still keeps giving us all we need for life, even when we ignore Him. He just cannot let go. This love keeps calling; He wants to come in and make a change in you. He wants to give you the strength and grace to live right, in line with today's extract. Would you let Him? Remember, nobody is promised forever down here; a time is coming for judgment on God's terms. Is His love in you? His time of favour is here.
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