“It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].” 1 Corinthians 13:5 AMPC
The entire chapter from where the verse above is taken lays out the case for what love is and what it is not. You find out quite early in the chapter that it is not in the volume of the noise you make, or how hard you try to draw the attention of people to your efforts. In fact, as the same chapter so eloquently lays out, the display of what looks like spiritual gifts can be an empty show. Reflect on what this al means: even if I can speak in the tongues of men and angels, have prophetic powers, and able to move mountains, if these all are not done in the right way, and with the right mind, it is all on vain. How do I know if I am on the right track?
One thing that God does is that He does not leave us in doubt as to what His standard is. You may argue about what is right, and the devil may suggest to you what the alternative is, but God always make His expectations clear from all who claim to follow Him. This letter by Paul and Sosthenes was addressed to the church of God in Corinth, and the letter was careful to note that it was addressed to those consecrated and purified and made holy in Christ Jesus, selected and called to be called God's people, and to all those in all places in the world who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know who you are?
Do you know the kind of call that is placed on your life? It is good to have spiritual gifts, and the promise of God is that He will give freely to the body of Christ so that its members can profit and grow by the exercise of these gifts, but it is also equally important to ensure that what I have been graciously given by God is also used graciously to be a blessing to other people. The same way God has given me all of Himself is the same way I must also give of myself to other people. The same love that God has shown me, when He saved me from certain death is the same love that I am now required to show to others. The how is equally as important as the why.
The how is what the verse above lays out: I do not do what I do out of a heart that is proud. I am not rude to others, simply because I think that I am special or better than the other person. I do not insist on my own way or my own rights; I can let go and allow God work in and through me, reaching and touching lives by my simple lifestyle. I do not keep records of wrongs done to me; there is no value in insisting on my own rights if God is able to defend me. If Jesus gave His life for me at a time when I did not even know I needed Him, there should be nothing too big to let go, if God will be glorified. Can what my life is currently producing be described as God's love? God's time of favour is here.
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