As we continue to look at the “Love Chapter” we will dissect it in sections. We’ll be focusing on the above listed positive & negative qualities today.
There is a phrase you’ve probably heard before: “Patience is a virtue.” [1] When the things of this life get us frustrated, we are called upon to exhibit patience. A definition of the word patience is having a “capacity of calm endurance”. Capacity simply refers to ones “ability” and endurance is “the act, quality, or power of withstanding hardship or stress”. We all simply don’t have ‘ability to remain calm and exude the power to withstand stress’... we let our emotions get the best of us. We ‘fly off the handle’. We lose all self-control. This is the opposite of what Christ requires of his followers. We are to be different than those in the world. If saved, a believer is supposed to desire to emulate the behavioral qualities of Jesus as shown to us throughout the Gospels. To ignore such a mandate is to selfishly go about things in our own way or in a way that we’ve always gone about things, but that is contrary to the example laid out for us.
On top of having patience, we are to be kind in the process. I’ve seen many a tee shirt that says, ‘BE KIND’or ‘JUST BE KIND’ lately. I like that. Stickers on cars say that too. Better than plastering obscenities on your car, wouldn’t you say? Being ‘kind’ means “having or showing a friendly, generous, sympathetic, or warm-hearted nature; being agreeable”. Many folks I’ve known in my life put up a front, pretending to be kind, when in reality they are anything but kind. We aren’t supposed to just be kind, but rather, we’re supposed to be kind to ALL others with Christ-like kindness. It’s a supernatural thing. It can be difficult to conjure up kindness at times, especially if it’s towards someone we don’t care for. We must cast aside our pre-conceived notions about individuals or various groups in society. We don’t have to agree with a person’s stance of politics, religion or the myriad of other issues that exist in this crazy world; just be kind to them. If we shun or otherwise avoid them then how will they find Christ?
So love is both patient and kind and we know that God is love. “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” [1st John 4:7-8]
How we are NOT supposed to act as believers and followers of Christ is being ‘jealous’. ‘Jealousy’ means being “envious or resentful of the good fortune or achievements of another”. If our focus is on God we will be happy for and not envious of those who surpass us in achievements or monetary gain. To become jealous or envious of another is to lose sight of the cross and the supreme sacrifice made on your behalf.
Another thing we shouldn’t be is boastful or prideful regarding anything or anybody. Again we have lost sight of exactly who we are in the cosmos. We are nothing more than a speck of sand on the earth’s beaches. Without temporal goods or achievements to impress others, then to the world you are NOTHING. But you aren’t nothing to God. You are a prized possession of his; you are one of his children. Nothing could make him stop loving you. We CAN however have a healthy sense of pride about something we’ve accomplished, as long as it doesn’t ever take the place of God in our life.
We aren’t supposed to be ‘rude’ either. Being rude is being “ill-mannered, discourteous or insulting”. James speaks about our tongues and how they can cut someone to the quick without half trying. Behaving in an ugly manner to others will ruin your personal testimony regarding what Christ has done in your life. If you are rude to someone for any reason, you need to go back and apologize. We must remember that wherever we go we are representing Christ. We are his ambassador. We are expected by the world to be different then they are. When we act just like someone who DOESN’T know the Lord, especially while we are wearing a “Jesus loves you” tee shirt, we send a confusing message. We are to be set apart and must STAY apart from the world. We must know scripture not to become preachy, but so we know what is expected of us as his ambassadors. We must rely on the Spirit of God within to teach and guide us in the deeper spiritual things of the Lord.
Next we will continue breaking down what God’s love is. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Sources: American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011); https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/1-corinthians-13-bible-summary-and-study-on-love/#ixzz8Zx1TQpzY;
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