5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy ([a]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth]. (AMP)
While this is a familiar passage (the whole chapter was read at our wedding), I have yet to master it. In particular, the "does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking" is a problem for me. I want what I want, I want it cheap, and I want it now! You got a problem with that?
Often, Reja and I find that we treat others better than we treat each other. I don't get it. I've worked on not bringing my work stress home, but that doesn't always work. I've worked on not always needing to be "right." I've worked on not fussing over every imperfection in our home and in each other, but I'm not there yet. In short, I have a critical spirit and it comes out mostly at home. This is part of my character and I alone cannot master it.
Today I pray that God would overwhelm my critical spirit and instead His agape love would flow especially to Reja. May others recognize Christ in me by the way He loves my wife through me for I alone am incapable.
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