The Daily Word

 

We now are continuing to look at the positive aspects of love in 1 Corinthians 13. This is perhaps where we should focus and compare our own behaviour to that which Paul documents and which, if we are honest, we all agree that we really should show in our lives. However, without the love of God shed abroad in our hearts, we will struggle to consistently achieve.

“Love does not envy…”. Our society is a consumer society, we have little regard for the longevity of ‘things’. We are encouraged, by every advertisement means, to acquire new products and services. There is always an element in these advertisements that implies we ought to have whatever is being offered, to encourage a feeling of envy of those who do have these items. This is in direct opposition to the way love should be expressed.

To have envy in our hearts makes us dissatisfied with what we do have. To want what someone else has, without having the means to acquire it is the basic cause of envy. But again, as Christians, we believe that God is in control and He has given us what we need to live our lives. And there lies the difference, the two words ‘need’ and ‘want, God has given us what we NEED, but our human nature is more concerned with WANT. We will find it very difficult to display a right attitude of love if our hearts have a feeling of dissatisfaction.

Paul could say elsewhere, that he had learned to be content with whatever he had, and by envying in one way, we are saying to God, you are not treating me correctly. Who are we to pass judgment on God??? 

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH Church