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Love Doesn't Insist On Its Own Way

[Love] does not insist on its own way” – 1 Corinthians 13:5

My 4-year-old son, Eli, likes to have things his way. When he wants something, he goes and gets it. Sometimes, when someone tries to make him do something he doesn’t want to do, like go to bed, he throws a tantrum… I mean a full-on, scream-his-head-off, throw-himself-to-the-ground, tantrum.

It’s bad when 4-year-old acts like this, but it’s expected. When a 40-year-old does it…

You would think that by the time we become adults we would learn to act better, but I’ve seen some adults come pretty close to that description of my 4-year-old. Not only is this not good, but when we act like this, we usually look like fools.

The other day, when I was in Walmart with Eli waiting to check out, some guy a few registers over started yelling and screaming and using profanity every other word. Other employees quickly came over to help the poor clerk who was being berated. However, this went on for a good 5 minutes. I don’t know what the issue was, but I do know that this guy looked like a fool and jerk.

I also know this is not how love acts.

Love does not insist on its own way. Love is able to work with others and respect their opinions. Love does nothing in selfishness but puts the needs of others first. Paul talks about this 1 Corinthians chapters 9-11.

Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 9:12

And a few verses later,

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.” – 1 Corinthians 9:15

In addition, this is what Jesus did for us.

And He was saying, ‘Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.’” – Mark 14:36

Despite the suffering He was about to endure, Jesus served us selflessly that we might be saved.

Dear Jesus,

Teach me to know when to insist on my rights and my way and when to be willing to set aside my rights and desires for the good of others. Give me a love for others to then act on that wisdom with selfless love.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt