Keep Calm and Know that God Loves You Part 3: Love is not rude and does not seek its own (1 Corinthians 13:5)

We are now going to tackle love not being rude and selfish. Below are definitions of the two concepts that we will explore (Merriam-Webster Dictionary):

Rude: Not having or showing concern or respect for the rights and feelings of other people: not polite
Selfish: having or showing concern only for yourself and not for the needs or feeling of other people

These two attributes look quite similar don't they. In both definitions, I would like to highlight the concept of not caring for others. In order to demonstrate true love, you must be willing at times to take a back seat to the needs, rights and concerns of others. Jesus' ministry clearly demonstrates this concept. I think specifically of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane; and how He said, "not my will but Your will be done" (Luke 22:42). Jesus demonstrated that love is sacrifice. It's putting someone else or something else before you. Jesus demonstrated the love of God, but allowing God to love and His way of loving was to sacrifice His Son. In this prayer, God also demonstrates His love, He too had to sacrifice, for our salvation, for our freedom; for our lives.

Being human, it is hard for us not to consider ourselves first. Sometimes we look at God as if He is our "Fun Snatcher" or "Captain Kill Joy" because we don't necessarily get our way, or that He forces us to do things His way. The truth is God sees the beginning from the end. If He was rude and selfish He would let you do whatever you wanted to because He would care less about what is happening or what would happen to you. Think about it this way, if I know that there is a mugger on the other side of the street, and I knew you were going to get mugged if you went down that street, would it not be rude of me not to warn you? Would it be selfish of me to think of my safety and run away so I don't have to get hurt or inconvenienced. Similarly, this is how we should recognize the love of God. He is always looking out for out best interest, whether we see it or not. Jesus warns us about impending death and even died in our place so that we don't have to face it if we choose His will and way.

Love cares and sacrifices. It thinks not only of itself but looks at the larger picture and chooses to humble itself even unto death. It is often said that one of the primary reasons if not the primary reason for divorce is selfishness. Love can't thrive where there is rudeness or selfishness. This applies to all aspects of our lives. Similarly, take our impending marriage to Christ, can we truly be united if there is selfishness? If we demand our way with Christ when clearly He knows better? If this root isn't plucked out you will never truly know the love of God or know that God loves you because a marriage and relationship can not thrive when selfishness is involved. The two will never agree. If you truly want to feel God's love and know it, ask for His way, for His is ultimately love, just read the Word of God and He will reveal to you his way. I encourage you to read Romans 12. This portion of scripture talks about sacrifice and the Will of God (Romans 12:2).