Two More

I Corinthians 13:5a It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking.

This whole chapter is defining love, and here we see two more things that love is NOT.

Dishonor shows up when we words, tones, or looks to tell another person that we are disgusted with them.  Talking about our husbands behind their backs, ruining reputations of friends with gossip, or making fun of others and their shortcomings are all things that are juvenile, childlike, and they hurt.  It’s like kids on a playground that are screaming and pushing and shoving.  Someone’s going to get hurt. 

Self-seeking is anything that looks for a way to build up our own agenda and actions.  When we constantly try to be better than her, or we are always looking for ways to satisfy our own cravings, we are a self-seeker.  And we will always be dissatisfied in our never ending quest for peace.  It’s when we seek the good of others, and the good of our Father, that we are satisfied and at rest.

So far, I’m realizing how much more of the love of Christ I need in my own heart.  And I need a fresh dose of it daily.

Lord, show us how to honor you by honoring others, and how to seek you in order to be fulfilled.  Thank you for your word.