“(Love) does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
Let’s take a look at verse 5. What type of a person demands their own way. A manipulative person. Unhappy people are irritable. A person with a long, unforgiving memory keeps a mental record of every wrong that has been done to them. These are all traits that should never be found in Christians. Yes, we are human, just like the unsaved, but as believers we’re supposed to shun self-serving characteristics in favor of humble, selfless one’s that will definitely set us apart from the societal norm.
There are folks that will act in an ugly way and proclaim “that’s just the way I’m wired” as if they cannot control their own emotions and subsequent actions. There’s a good chance they simply have no interest in using self-control; however, self-control is something that SHOULD be seen in Christians.
As a loving Christian, we are supposed to follow Jesus’ example. Seeing others the same way God sees them. How does God look at you? With unconditional love. He has eyes that see what we can be and will be if we concede to leading of the Holy Spirit. God is so close to us that he is IN us in the person of the Holy Spirit. He can’t get any closer than that.
As a human being, whether godly or not, we all become irritable from time to time. Paul, though, is referencing a person who is irritable ALL THE TIME over every situation. This type of person always sees the glass half empty, instead of half full. They see trouble around every corner. They constantly make a MOUNTAIN out of a molehill. This behavior has no place in a believer’s life. When we LEAD with love, others become more important to us then our own wants or needs. We get amnesia when it comes to recalling past hurtful events. We live each day with a smile in spite of obstacles that may be concerning us. We need to tell ourselves that no matter how bad things may get, things could always be worse. Sure, they could be better, but they could absolutely be a whole lot worse.
Christians often times combat fear and worry by remembering the fact that God is over all and in utter and complete control over all things. He either causes or allows everything in the universe for his own purposes. Negative thoughts and words, when left unchecked, can become a road to full blown depression. Whether saved or not, this can be avoided by shifting our focus. Instead of looking at our surroundings, we must keep our focus squarely on Christ. Our surroundings are fluid, for they regularly change; Christ does not.
Next we will continue our look at 1st Corinthians 13. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
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