by John Grant
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians. 13:4-7
Love has become a universal term that can be many things to many people. Some love golf, some love family and some love Jesus. There are all kinds of love, with worldly definitions and spiritual definitions.
A good way to define love biblically is to understand what the Bible says love is not. Love does not boast. It is not proud. It does not dishonor others, nor is it self-seeking. Love does not present itself in anger or keep a record of wrongs.
In writing to the Romans, Paul says love is not being filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil, envy, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, slander and arrogance. (Romans 1:28-32) True love does not invent evil, nor does it foster disobedience.
Are you desiring to be a more Christ-like and loving person? If you are, the best way to get there is to first identify the behaviors, thoughts and attitudes in your life that are not loving. Then surrender these things to Jesus, trusting in His forgiveness and power to make loving choices. Then true, godly love will invade and saturate your being and you will never be the same.
Have you taken inventory lately of the thoughts, attitudes and behaviors in your life that are opposites to love? What steps could you take to rid yourself of them?
Father God, I know that I have fallen short of mirroring Your love. Help me, by Your Spirit, to experience cleansing from unloving thoughts, words and deeds that do not reflect Your love. Please teach me to love like You do.
Thought: Identify a habit or attitude that is not loving. Tell a trusted friend about it and ask for prayer as you move forward in becoming a more loving person.
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2014/04/07/jg_the-opposites-of-love/
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney