August 11, 2010

Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth


Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I am nearing the end of this mini series on love. If you are just joining me I recommend that you take a moment to read at least the first post before continuing. All the blog links can be found here:
1st - Love is patient
2nd - Love is kind
3rd - Love does not envy
4th - Love does not boast; it is not arrogant or rude
5th - Love does not insist on its own way
6th - Love is not irritable
7th - Love is not resentful


Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth

The NKJV rendering of the phrase above says, "[Love] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth." This statement covers just about everything else that will be reflected in our character, from every angle. Love takes no pleasure in sin.
~ This will cover all wrongdoing, whether in one's personal life or in the lives of others (for example, not treating lightly/ taking pleasure in hearing of the public sin or failures of others).
~ This will include an aversion to sin in our choice of entertainment, leisure activities, conversation, and humor.

Instead, a person who walks in true love rejoices (feels and expresses joy and happiness) in things that are true - things which are in accordance with the way of God, the will of God, and the word of God.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8
The love of God thrives in a pure heart.

No comments:

Post a Comment