Two-minute read.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast;
1 Corinthians 13:4a
Love doesn’t strut.
Pride and I have a long history together; the daily battle never ends. The Message translation of this verse makes me smile:
“Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut,” 1 Cor. 13:4a MSG
To love, I must not give up, stop envying others, and not boast about my accomplishments. Lord, help me; I can’t do it without You. None of us can. Persevering through the trials of life requires Jesus. Because of Christ, we have the tools to fight the battle, overcoming hatred with love.
Jesus exemplified patience in all His interactions. When Philip wanted more evidence, asking Christ to “show us the Father” as proof, Jesus answered with compassion and patience, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:8-9). Christ prayed for His enemies and taught us to do the same. Knowing our hearts, Jesus gives us space to come to Him and discover life to the fullest. Sometimes, the Lord waits long for us to look His way.
Envy takes our eyes off our blessings and places them on our fleshly desires. Developing an attitude of gratitude requires intentional thankfulness. Only one of them thanked Him when Jesus healed the 10 Lepers (Luke 17:11-19). God does things for us daily, but we take them for granted. The Creator gives us breath in our lungs, minds that can think, bodies that can move, jobs we can work, and so much more. Once you start praising God, you will discover an endless list. But focus on what you don’t have, and you’ll find discontent.
And lastly, love doesn’t strut. In other words, don’t think too highly of yourself. Don’t act superior to other people. Shamefully, I can think of times when I’ve boasted and acted better than others; it makes my heart hurt thinking about them. Thankfully, I serve a God of grace who gives me another chance each day to do better.
Love never quits, doesn’t envy or boast, marked by kindness, its an action that draws people to us.
Love Drop Challenge:
Practice patience by extending grace. Develop an attitude of gratitude by counting your blessings. Consider yourself equal to everyone you meet, not better or worse, but the same.
