Last week we began looking at Love being patient and kind from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Today we are going to continue our study of God’s love by progressing through this section of scripture and examining that love does not envy, it does not boast, and it is not proud.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love does not envy.
The word envy means to have a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc. (Dictionary.com). Love does not want what others have. Love is perfectly content right where it is at. One of the biggest enemies we face here in America is the desire to have more, bigger, better, the latest and greatest thing available all because we see our neighbor with it. This desire is not loving. This discontentment puts our desires and wants before others. Scripture clearly states that we are to think of others interests before our own (Philippians 2:4). When we are too busy focusing on the next best thing to go buy or to get ourselves “ahead” we are missing out on any possibility of being able to love others as ourselves (Mark 12:31). When we are caught up being envious of others we are incapable of love because we are too self-indulged. Love does not look inwards. Love always looks outwards others. Envy will always have you looking inward to a place of discontentment.
I am so thankful that God’s love is not envious. God does not get discontent when I get a new job, or when I buy a new car. In fact, the opposite thing happens. God is the one behind the scenes opening the door for us to get that new job, and making our budgets work so a new vehicle can be possible. He rejoices over us in those situations, not because of the “stuff” we are getting, but because of the gift, He is giving to His children. Our response to the Lord in these situations is to recognize His hand in orchestrating our situation and give Him the praise He is worthy of. God’s very nature is not one of envy or discontent, it is one of desiring for us to grow and mature in the kingdom.
Love does not boast.
When someone is boastful they speak and think more highly of themselves than others. Boastful people will purposefully tear others down just to get the glory and praise. Boastful people are filled with arrogance and pride. There is nothing about boastfulness that is loving. When we feel the need to make others look bad in order to “get ahead” we have fallen so far off the love barometer it’s not even funny. God’s love does not boast. God does not make us look like a pile of junk so He looks gets all the praise. God does not have to make us look bad. In our human flesh, we are already weak. The best part about our weakness is that His strength has the ability to shine forth. In our weakness He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). In our weakness, all of the honor and glory goes right where it belongs, in the hands of our omniscient creator.
Love is not proud.
Similar in meaning to boastfulness is pride. I truly believe that pride can start out innocently enough then turn its ugly head and get us into a boatload of trouble in a hurry. Let me explain what I mean by this. We can be proud of ourselves for accomplishing a goal, but the second we begin to elevate ourselves above others is the very second that pride becomes sin. Love will always be abruptly halted by “self.” When we begin to put ourselves in some form of hierarchical order we have just cut off the flow of love entirely. Love does not elevate self but always elevates others.
Heavenly Father, I thank you that your love does not envy, it does not boast and it is not proud. I thank you that you have clearly shown us a pattern in your word for love. Help us not to be envious of others, but rather to be thankful for what we have. Protect us from the spirit of boastfulness and pride. Show us ways to elevate others above ourselves so that your love can be seen in us and through us. We ask these things in Jesus precious name.
To read other posts from the series about God’s love please visit the Love series page.
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