Love defined - Part Two
In part one of the article 'Love Defined', we looked at the biblical meaning of love. We read through 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as the Scripture reference. We looked at verses 4 and 5 in-depth:
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful…
In part two 'Love Defined' - which this article will be looking in depth at verses 6 and 7:
6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
To love is to be grieved by sin. Genuine love does not find pleasure in sin; it does not condone, overlook or laugh at sinful behaviour. Genuine love hates what is evil. Love does not make excuses for sin, it does not rejoice at unrighteousness. Genuine love does not compromise on the truth, but it rejoices with the truth. Love embraces correction and "wounds with care." Genuine love encourages righteousness and rejoices when truth thrives.
Love bears all things and endures all things.
True love covers a multitude of offenses. This does not mean that we do not address any form of wrongdoing, but it means that our love does not depend on how others treat us. True love seeks to protect, not harm. Love endures difficulties for the sake of loved ones, it remains strong even under immense sorrow and hardships. True love is persistent.
Love believes in all things and hopes all things.
Genuine love is not blind or naivè. Genuine love does not assume people's motives. Genuine love is not suspicious nor does it jump to conclusions. Love does not falsely accuse, but it examines all things. Love does not give up nor is it pessimistic. Genuine love is hopeful, it rests and trusts in God.
As long as we are comparing ourselves to others, we will always find a reason to boast in our efforts. However, once we begin to make the love of Christ the measure or standard of our own love, we will discover that we are unable and sometimes unwilling to love others the way that God calls us to love them. Loving someone does not necessarily mean that we agree with everything they say or do, but as those who are filled with God's love and God's Spirit; we are called to love all people, in all circumstances. Therefore, we ought to pray that God would teach us to love people better and correctly. Love is a choice, choose to pursue love.
Reference:
[1] Part 1 of "Love Defined" (Ngidi, L - 2022)
https://thebibletalks.org/devotionals/love-defined-1-corinthians-13
[2] "Wound With Care" (van de Avoort, R - 2022) https://thebibletalks.org/devotionals/faithful-friends-who-wound-with-care
