Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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. I Corinthians 13:4-7
As we enter week five of the love series, I would like to encourage each of you to hang in there. I know this is difficult for some to read because it is not a sensational word. A study of love has absolutely no appeal to your flesh. While it is not a popular word it is a much needed word.
This series is not intended to make you shout for joy but cause you to somberly reflect and examine yourself.
It is necessary because we, as a society, do not really understand the requirements of love from a Godly perspective. Our society teaches us that love is erotic and strictly based on our emotions.
Godly love is a condition of the inner man as we see with each attribute. We cannot truly love a person from our emotions because they, as we all know, are subject to change. Love goes well beyond our emotions and considers how it can serve. With that we explore pride.
This devil is running rampant in Christendom. Pride, as we have been introduced earlier, manifest itself in so many ways that it is hard to detect at times. However, it is the root of many of our unloving behaviors.
Pride according dictionary.com is "high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc. " The challenge is the same as last week: reflect on any areas that are a source of pride for you. It could be as innocent as our children and taking pride in their appearance, aptitude, or accomplishments. Be careful with any exalted attitudes about anything of this earth. Remember that God is a jealous God and He will not take second place to anything or anyone.
Be encouraged and be transformed!
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