Our last post was centered around a specific incident that allegedly happened with a man of God. We focused on the love chapter which can be found in 1 Corinthians 13. Today we're going to pick back up on verses 4-8 in the Amplified Bible:
4Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
5It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
6It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
7Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].
8Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].
These scriptures basically give us the true definition of love. This is what God expects of his people on a daily basis. The truth of the matter is, how hard could it possibly be to love someone who always does what you want them to do, always acts the way you want them to act, etc. Love means sacrificing. It means that I have to love people regardless of how they treat me.
We all have heard various portrayals of the Bishop Eddie Long situation. My heart goes out to both him and his church family. Whether the accusations are true or not, the prayer warrior in each of us should have been activated immediately. Whenever accusations start swirling, Christians should reserve comment until the truth comes out. Verse 7 says: Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Instead of sitting around talking about how dirty and nasty this man is and what a liar he is, just simply pray the mercy of God upon him and his family. Treat them as you would want to be treated if you were accused of something. Even if the accusations were found to be true remember what the scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12 (Amplified Bible) Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].
The final thing we should know about love comes from verse 8 which says: Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. My love for you and your love for me should never end regardless of what I do to you or what you do to me. Love does not end! Before judging or begrudging someone it's always important to remember that we're not perfect. As a matter of fact, For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6 KJV). What would we have done if Jesus hadn't loved us in spite of ourselves? What would we have done if God had a respect of persons? None of us would be alive if Jesus hadn't looked beyond our faults and saw our needs. So whenever something comes out about any of our brothers and sisters, whether true or not, let's love them the way that Jesus loves us. (Galatians 6:1 AMP) BRETHREN, IF any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also.
Remain blessed
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