READING: 1 Corinthians 12-14
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: Love is an amazing thing, really. It’s a combination of actions and responses and emotions and thoughts — something that overwhelms us unexpectedly, carries us through the day, and comforts us in our sorrow. It pushes us beyond our limits while also picking us up if we don’t reach our goals. It praises us for godliness and chastises us for sins. And, according to 1 Corinthians 13, it holds no grudges — yet without rejoicing over wrong: “[Love] does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth” (1 Cor. 13:5b-6).
That is, on one hand, it does not keep a running list of wrongs, holding on to anger and bitterness. It recognizes that God’s forgiving us is the model by which we must forgive others. Love clears the account and grants new beginnings.
On the other hand, it never rejoices over the sinful actions it chooses not to record; it does not gloat over others who sin, tolerate gleefully our own sin, or rejoice over those who fall. In no way does “not keeping a record of wrongs” necessitate condoning or rejoicing over sin. Indeed, love means rejoicing “in the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6) — which often includes confrontation and honesty that seek to call offenders to repentance and restoration. That kind of love is patient and kind while being holy and truthful. That’s God’s kind of love.
ACTION STEPS: Consider today if you are (1) holding a grudge, (2) rejoicing over someone else’s unrighteousness, or (3) finding joy in your own sin. If you know you’re not living out godly love, seek God’s forgiveness — and somebody else’s as well, if necessary.
PRAYER: “Lord, teach me to love like You love today. Help me face my own failures in loving others.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Corinthians 15-16