Love is Personal

1 Corinthians 13:4b
Love...does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

As I've considered what 1 Corinthians 13:14b means to me, I've thought about the times in my life when I've felt jealous. I'm not talking about when I was young and envied, Partridge Family actress, Susan Dey's flowing hair. Or the times I'd see a Jeep and wish it was mine. No, this is more personal. I'm talking about the times I've envied people I love. The ones who mean the world to me. Envying someone I don't know is one thing, but being jealous of someone I love is personal.

Jealousy or envy promote bitterness and selfishness. If you've ever envied a friend or family member, a switch flips and a protective mode pops up. You begin to boast about your life to cover up your flaw of jealousy. Sound familiar? It does to me. This is neither wise nor humble. In love, Jesus wants us to support each other. He calls us to rely on Godly wisdom and encourage each other. God's love results in peace.

This week I pray, I will promote peace through love.

Love doesn't envy...

When Love Disintegrates

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
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. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

February, the month of love.

Love 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.

As people milled around the exhibits at the zoo, a couple of peacocks strutted about. They dragged their multi-colored tails behind them, then stopped to impress the crowd. The tail feathers fanned out into a beautiful array of iridescent blue and green. You could say… they were proud as a peacock. Male peacocks show off their tails to win a peahen’s heart. God created the birds to show their feathers.

Can you imagine people strutting around with prideful, feathered tails? When people throw pride, envy, and selfishness into a relationship the bonds of trust are broken, abuse happens, and love disintegrates. Paul tells us in Corinthians to turn from selfishness. Instead of envy, appreciate. Instead of boasting, encourage. Instead of luxuriating in pride, be humble. Show honor, be selfless, let go of anger, and throw grudges aside. Follow Jesus example of love and put others first. He gave his life. Praise God for his love.