EPISODE 28 – THE PRACTICE OF LOVE 3
adminBy Benjamin Nana Amissah Ansah
MACHAIRA
(Pronounced makh’-ahee-rah)
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Saturday 19th February, 2023
THE PRACTICE OF LOVE 3
“…love… is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NKJV)
These items Apostle Paul spoke of, were not rules to obey. They are the inward workings of the love of God. Paul (the apostle) provides practical details of how to work the love of God.
A careful study of 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 13 will give you the essential life and focus of the gifts of the Spirit.
Many focus on the gifts of the Spirit and not the love of God, which is supplied by the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul made some strong statement in 1 Corinthians 13:2
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.“
It is crucial to practice the love of God, towards one another and towards all men.
From the previous episodes we looked closely at love being slow to lose patience – it looks for a way of being constructive. We realised that love is never envious nor boils over with jealousy; Love does not brag, it is not ostentatious.
In this episode we will concisely discuss the other items Apostle Paul mentioned.
5. Love is not puffed up.
To be puffed up, is to be proud. The Greek word is “phusio”, which means to be swollen, or to be inflated. This word paints the picture of a person who is filled or blown up with arrogance, haughtiness, superiority. It shows how one behaves snooty, or clannish manner.
When you truly behold the love of Christ, you will be humble.
No pride stands at the foot of the cross of our Lord Jesus. At the cross you see God humbling Himself even unto a shameful death, for the benefit of others which includes you. This doesn’t only make us feel loved, it crashes our pride and brings us to our knees. True humility is a product of the revelation of the love of Christ.
6. Love does not behave rudely
To be rude is to behave unseemingly. It is to be thoughtless, careless and inconsiderate of others. A rude person’s actions and words tend to be discourteous, and exhibits bad manners towards others. Beloved, this is not the practice of love. To behave rudely reveals one is uncaring, insensitive, and unkind.
7. Love does not seek its own
Beloved as you practice the love of Christ, you will not insist on your own way. The scriptures instructs us to serve one another (Galatians 5:15).
Those who seek their own cleverly control and influence to steer things in their self interest. They esteem how they feel above how others feel. They are selfish and only think of how others should relate with them. Love considers attentively, gives careful consideration of, perceives clearly, and intensely thinks of others not just oneself.
Beloved, these show us how the Holy Spirit directs our hearts daily.
How do you fare when you look into the mirror of God’s Word today? Do you pass the love test, or have you come up short again?
God wants you to exhibit the richness of His love in your life.
Remain a blessing to others. Show love to someone today.
Shalom
DIG DEEPER
(Galatians 5:26; James 3:16; Romans 12:15-16; Proverbs 10:12; Acts 7:9)
WE PRAY
That our hearts will be directed into the love of Christ, that we may not yield ourselves to envy and attention seeking.
BIBLE READING IN THE YEAR 2023
Day 20: Genesis 23-26
DECLARE THESE WORDS:
I refuse to walk in envy. I am content with what I have. I rejoice in the success of others. I refuse to be boastful. I walk in the humility of Christ.
Hallelujah!!!
Views: 14
Thank you Lord Jesus. True humility is in the revelation of the Love of Christ. Love . The practice of love does not insist on it’s won way. I put the interest of the brethren ahead. Hallelujah
Thank you Lord Jesus
I refuse to act rudely.
I refuse to walk in envy and attention seeking
Thank you Apostle Sir.
I am enjoying this series on the practice of Love
I exercise the richness of the love of Christ in me. I walk in the humility of Christ
I exhibit the richness of God love in my life..
Thank you Lord Jesus…
Thank you Lord
I am humble.
I don’t act rudely.
I don’t seek my own.
I rejoice in the success of others.
I walk in the humility of Christ
I am content with what I have.