Hola!

Continuing on with our look at love according to Holy Writ, please read and ponder the following…

1^st Corinthians 13:4b (NKJV)
…Love does not parade itself…

When I think of a parade, I think of the Macy’s parade or the Disney World parade I have observed. It is a show to for people to watch. A parade (if it could talk) would say, “Look at me, Look at me. Look what I am doing. Look at all the wonderful things I am putting before you”.

Here are a couple of other translations of this verse:

1^st Corinthians 13:4b (ESV)
…love does not… boast…

1^st Corinthians 13:4b (NAS)
…love does not brag…

Okay, so we see that love DOES NOT “parade itself”, “boast” and/ or “brag”. All three of these actions are indicative of calling attention to it. So what is wrong with calling attention to ourselves and our actions?

Well, when we call attention to ourselves, we really are seeking recognition, right? And why are we seeking recognition? Do you really deserve it? Hmmmm? May I suggest our pride it at work here?

Imagine this: Say you do something special for someone and they don’t acknowledge your efforts… Or say you work really hard to change something about yourself and no one notices…

How would you feel? Would you feel taken for granted? Would you feel insignificant? Would you feel depressed and throw yourself a pity-party? I know I have!  And I even thought “What’s the point if no one cares?”

Yes, my friend, pride is easily hurt when it has been allowed to grow big. Pride is the opposite of humbleness. If we are humble, then lack of recognition is no cause for concern, right? And better yet, a loving attitude is just glad to be of help, just glad to serve… Humble Christians seek to glorify God, not stoke their own pride!  Frankly, I would say you should regard a sour puss attitude as a consequence of proud heart that has been starved of glory; and repent of it!

Hear our Lord’s words on the parading person…

Matthew 6:1
Take heed  that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

God is kind to the unthankful… How about you?

 Jesus, during the Last Supper, became like a lowly servant and washed the disciples’ feet. Almighty God in human form stooped down to do a slave’s task. With this, He reveals to us a heavenly principle…

John 13:15b
… you should do as I have done to you.

And it is okay to seek reward, but seek the heavenly rewards that will never fade away! How???

Matthew  20:26b
…whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant.

Stuff that ugly parading pride and humble yourself, thereby getting into the proper posture to love others as Christ loved you!

**Comments/ questions/ testimonies/ objections most encouraged!

Dear Lord, thank you for this time to consider Your word and Your ways. May our thoughts, words, and deeds bring You glory… and glory to You alone. –Amen

Peace,
Jim