1 Corinthians 13:5: Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.
Love does not act peculiar. It is true that in 1 Peter the believers are called a peculiar people, but they shouldn’t act peculiar. It literally means a people for His possession. We are to exercise courtesy. We are not to be rude. We are not to act like strange people. We ought to be polite. Unfortunately, there is so much today that can be called unlovely religion. But love does not behave itself unseemly.
Love “seeketh not her own.” Love inquires into the motives for action; that is, it asks, “Why am I doing this?” I have examined my own heart as I never did before. I have searched out my own motives. Am I doing it out of love for Christ?
Love “is not easily provoked.” It doesn’t have a bad temper. Being provoked is the vice of the virtuous. I’m afraid it is the vice of many of us.
Love “thinketh no evil.” How sad it is to see people thrive on gossip. There are Christians who ladle up dirt. They are suggestive in what they have to say. 1
Application
- Read 2 Corinthians 13:11. What are the results of being like-minded?
- If you have been rude and evil-thinking toward another Christian, will you confess this selfish sin and ask for forgiveness, if it’s appropriate?
Thought to Share
Love is all about the motive behind the deed done in His name. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, please keep my heart tender towards others.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
