Join us as we focus each day for nine weeks on a different part of 1 Corinthians 13.
Thursday: It is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
[Love] 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 13:5-6
Read: 1 Corinthians 13:5-6
Listen: 1 Corinthians 13
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Paul tells the Jesus-followers in Corinth that the habits of love are both positive and negative. In other words, a life of love is demonstrated by what they did and what they didn’t do. Positively, love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4). Diving deeper into those things that love is not, Paul confronts a culture that values honor and status at the expense of others.
Love “does not dishonor others,” but cares for those around us and is aware of their feelings and sensibilities. It is not “self-seeking,” meaning it doesn’t demand to have its own way. It is not “easily angered” as it guards against being irritated, upset or angered by (often little) things said or done. It “keeps no record of wrongs.” It doesn’t keep track of someone’s failures. It also “doesn’t rejoice in evil, but rejoices with the truth.” It never seeks to justify sin, and it always aligns with God’s truth.
The “habits of love” require that we both start doing some things and stop doing others. As we examine our lives, we need to remember two things. First, we cannot make all of the changes immediately. These are “habits” and habits take time to develop. Second, these habits are developed only through the power of God’s indwelling Spirit. We can’t accomplish them through gritted teeth and sheer effort. Only God can do this work in us.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Ask yourself the question, “What do I need to stop doing?” It could be that you need to stop demanding that your way is the only way. It could be a “wrongs” ledger that needs to go in the trash. Or it could be your continuing rationalization of a destructive habit. Whatever it is, confess it to God with humility and a heart of repentance. Make today a day where you stop. Don’t forget to check your bookmark and card! Be looking for ways to develop these new habits.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
