Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Love shows itself in four inseparable traits: it acts with decency and courtesy rather than rudeness, it does not pursue its own interest, it is not quickly angered, and it does not harbor evil thoughts toward others. This love is heaven-born and divine, wrought in the heart by the Spirit in true conversion, diffusive and active for the happiness of others, and it grows only by exercise. The whole life of Christ embodied it without exception, making Him the pattern and measure of what it looks like when selfishness is replaced by God's love. In daily conduct it means freedom from selfish ambition and demand for respect, with humility that puts others first, and a calm, patient, self-controlled spirit that is deaf to reproach and does not retaliate under provocation. Toward others it puts the best construction on conduct, refuses suspicion, evil-surmising, and publicizing of faults, and goes privately and tenderly to restore the erring.
Text and Setting
The verse sets forth four traits of love: it does not act improperly or discourteously, it does not insist on its own interests and advantage, it does not readily give way to irritation or quick anger, and it does not dwell on evil thoughts. This heaven-born love stands opposed to bitterness, wrath, envy, jealousy, and evil suspicion, and without it other gifts, qualifications, eloquence, knowledge, faith, liberality, and even great acts of giving and self-sacrifice are worthless and without profit. Genuine love acts with decency, courtesy, humility, and considerateness toward others, requiring believers to put away bitterness and to cultivate kindness and mutual care.
It belongs to Paul's Spirit-inspired description of love, the most valuable treatise on etiquette ever penned, to be permanently remembered by young and old as true courtesy in conduct with good manners. That description places love as greater than spiritual gifts and good deeds, which are valueless without it. Chapters 12 and 13 were given for consideration to unite those brought together in church capacity understandingly and intelligently, under the figure of members composing one body representing the church of God and the relation its members should sustain to one another, and they are to be committed to memory, written in mind and heart, studied and digested rather than ignored.
Charity is the heavenly grace of love that belongs to the eternal state with faith and hope, the greatest of the three, that never fails but endures forever as the crowning glory of the future immortal condition. Prophecy, tongues, and the gift of knowledge with understanding of all mysteries are needed only in the present imperfect childhood state of seeing through a glass darkly and knowing in part. They will fail, cease, and vanish away when that which is perfect is come and face-to-face perfect knowledge arrives.
The verse is God's voice and message to men, to be believed, obeyed, studied, and strictly practiced as a lesson of utmost importance, showing what true Christlike love is and does and requiring professed Christians to live by the rule of God's Word and not merely claim godliness while departing from it. It is addressed especially to those who claim to be His servants and to responsible men, including those in publishing institutions, calling them to humility as learners in the school of Christ so that the softening, subduing power of God can come into their lives and the Spirit can work with them. It is to be applied in continual self-examination for humbling individual self and taking self critically in hand, calling each person to deny, humble, and sacrifice self and to bear his own cross of self-denial, self-humiliation, and self-sacrifice rather than laying his cross on someone else to carry. The love it describes forbids those who believe the truth from separating into factions, since such division bears a witness that denies the power of the truth.
Not easily provoked means not looking out for slights and not thinking oneself wounded, and thinking no evil means not putting the worst construction upon words and actions, not judging motives, not magnifying little things and inconsiderate words and actions as if meant to injure while good things fade from memory. To live contrary to it leaves the senses under a spell so that a person cannot see aright, hear aright, or understand aright, with thought and memory brought under subjection to Satan. The same charity also suffers long, is kind, envies not, and is not puffed up, while speaking with tongues, prophecy, mountain-moving faith, bestowing all goods to feed the poor, and giving the body to be burned profit nothing without it. This charity is God's instruction and prescription for relieving chronic maladies of the spiritual life that also reach the physical and mental powers, bringing light, health, righteousness, and continual guidance, more useful than drugs.
Nature and Worth of Love
This love is heaven-born, Christlike, sanctified and divine in origin, wrought by the inner work of the Spirit of God in true conversion and received only from Jesus Christ as fruit of the Spirit growing on the Christian tree and the Bible standard to reach. The love of God must be the prevailing sentiment in the heart because God is love, and without it no one can be a laborer together with Him. It is diffusive in character, leading its possessor to seek the happiness and prosperity of others, practicing good will toward all, and it is active in doing good and cannot live without action. Every loving act increases, strengthens and extends it, and it is measured by how much love one works with rather than how much one does. It lives in the soul through abiding Christ and appears in spirit, words and deeds as a bright shining light, tender and forbearing like Christ's love for His enemies, returning in stronger waves when beaten back by resistance, never chilled into coldness, overcoming little bruises, sensitive feelings and differences in feeling, habit and custom with healing. It is not extinguished by opposition but bears long with dullness of comprehension and grief of spirit, suffers long and is kind, is tested so its growth may be developed, is free from selfishness and desire for glory, does not pursue its own honor, is not lifted up to vainglory even by great endowments such as the gift of utterance, and will not deal in envy and evil surmising.
Without this heaven-born love other gifts and qualifications are worthless, and impressive gifts, eloquence, knowledge of truth, faith, liberality, zeal, good intentions, outward devotion, rare talents and even great acts of giving or sacrifice and bestowing all goods to feed the poor profit nothing and cannot atone for defects of Christian character. No offering to God can supply its lack, and without it profession is worthless and no one can make a person like Christ. With it Christians are distinguished from worldly people, purified in heart, able to imitate Christ's self-sacrificing care for others, and alone made successful in winning souls. This love is to be learned from this chapter every day for comfort and strength, showing what charity does as courteous, kind and conciliating conduct, walking in humility and giving brethren credit for conscientiousness, exercising tender forgiveness, brotherly kindness, forbearance and patience instead of suspicion, jealousy, censuring and blame, and bearing, believing, hoping and enduring all things.
The verse defines true, Christlike love as courteous conduct without selfishness, quick anger or evil thinking. It expresses the obedience of all who love God and keep His commandments and is brought into action in the life of every true believer. Its statement is to be printed and published everywhere to preach its living sermon.
Not seeking its own is self-sacrificing, self-renouncing love that is the law of life for earth and heaven. Its source is in the heart of God, it comes from God, and it is revealed in Jesus the meek and lowly One. The glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of this love, seen in the light from Calvary and the cross of Christ as the character of God and of the Father who dwells in light no one can approach.
This love must be brought into daily experience as a stronger love for one another and a growing interest in one another, requiring crucifying self and surrendering self to God and cultivating faith and love at all times and under all circumstances. It is received through a strong, steady, broad and comprehensive belief in the truth that takes in the whole plan of salvation with its purpose of love and mercy, while a spurious faith leads only to confidence in self and criticism of others and quenches Christlike love, and strong genuine faith keeps alive strong love for the Saviour. It uproots from the heart all enmity and petty differences and transforms indifference and coldness into Christlike affection for Christ and for one another, using speech only to bless and strengthen. The deeper the love for Christ, the deeper the love for one another, so it is impossible to love Christ and at the same time act discourteously toward one another, draw apart from one another, or show no love or sympathy.
The love is a precious plant of heavenly origin in the heart that must be cherished with studious effort and given every advantage to flourish in order for the church to prosper, and cultivated daily by seeing in every fellow person the purchase of the blood of Christ. Every true Christian develops this divine love in word and act, revealing forbearance, beneficence, mildness, gentleness, long-suffering, calmness under provocation, bearing all things and enduring all things, seeking not self but the interests of others, and freedom from envy and jealousy. It does not repulse others and is not unapproachable, cold and indifferent to their interests, keeps self-control even under provocation, does not impute wrong motives and evil intentions to others, but feels deeply over sin when discovered in any disciple of Christ. In daily association it keeps conversation guarded so there is no need for repentance, speaks from a heart where love of truth dwells about truth and the blessed hope in Jesus, seeks to establish and build up a brother in the most holy faith, refuses any word detrimental to the character of friend or brother, gives no encouragement to evil-speaking but kindly reminds the speaker that the Word forbids it, empties the soul temple of everything defiling so Christ may dwell within, cherishes His Spirit and manifests His love in kindness, patience and forbearance, and by this unity and fruit gives the world evidence of childhood to God while growing in love for God and the truth in the position where God can bestow His love. Bible charity is not sentimentalism but love in active exercise, and it does not cover evil with a mantle of false charity, heal hurt slightly by saying peace, peace when there is no peace, or confederate together to call sin holiness and truth, for that is the counterfeit article.
Christ the Pattern and Standard
The entire life of Jesus embodied these four traits without a single exception, even while surrounded by a world filled with pride and selfishness. In place of unseemly conduct He showed true courtesy and respect for others, in place of seeking His own He lived selflessly, in place of quick provocation He remained calm, and in place of evil thinking He was pure. That charity proves selfishness naturally written on the human heart has been replaced by the love of God, forming the image and superscription of Jesus Christ within.
The verse gives one part of the measure of a character imbued with the love of Christ, setting forth the marks and likeness of Christ to be borne. It reveals the possibilities and the heights that may be reached in and through Jesus Christ, presenting perfection in Him as the standard attainable through His merits by all for whom He died. That change comes by beholding Christ from glory to glory, and requires a living experiential knowledge of God, since no one yet has the full measure of the nature of the heavenly Father or of the character of the Son of God as it is.
Coming short of that standard comes from being content to look at earthly and common things rather than heavenly things. When the eye fixed on common things is lifted higher and still higher, character is elevated and transformed.
Nearness to Christ in His kingdom is decided by drinking most deeply on earth of His self-sacrificing spirit. That love does not seek its own advantage, is not easily provoked, and thinks no evil, and it moves the disciple as it moved Christ to give all and to live and labor and sacrifice even unto death for the saving of humanity. The same spirit was made manifest in the life of Paul.
These traits are fruit of the grace of God, received only by crucifying self, surrendering self to God, and earnest seeking through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Where they are wanting there is lack of the Spirit of Christ, and greater faith brings more of Christ, making the receiver a child of God and not a child of the wicked one. They must be brought into daily experience as a stronger, broad and comprehensive love for one another with growing interest in one another, using speech only to bless and strengthen. Received through a broad belief in the truth that takes in the whole plan of salvation with its purpose of love and mercy, this love uproots from the heart all enmity and petty differences and transforms indifference and coldness into Christlike affection, while a spurious faith leads only to confidence in self and criticism of others and quenches it, and the stubborn will must be subdued until the heart says Not my will but Thine be done.
Courteous and Unselfish Conduct
Love that does not act unbecomingly is true courtesy in conduct, acting with decency, good manners, cheerfulness, kindliness, geniality, gentle speech, and a sunny countenance and voice. Outward kindness is added to inward sincerity and uprightness, and geniality to kindness of heart, with good will toward all, conciliation, humility, tender forgiveness, brotherly kindness, forbearance and patience. Cheerfulness and courtesy are to be cultivated, especially by parents and teachers, in cheerful countenance, gentle voice and courteous manner as elements of power, since children are attracted by a sunny demeanor and return kindness and courtesy toward others. Lack of courtesy mars personal happiness, detracts from service to others, and sacrifices many of life's sweetest and most helpful experiences, often from mere want of thought. Such love does not act rashly, arrogantly, harshly, or in a controlling and fault-finding way, but leads to gentle, courteous, compassionate conduct whether others please or mistreat, actively keeping their good in view and restraining inconsiderate actions that would hinder winning them. Where the love of God is in the heart it always produces gentle speech, with no quick disturbance and no loose rein given to passion, living under the restraining yoke of Christ's Spirit so that only words He can approve are spoken and hot, fiery words that would shame Him standing by are refused.
In detail this means mild and circumspect speech, kind forgiving courtesy as Christ lived, with works of piety, equity and purity and meekness of wisdom, and with tender compassion for all. It is without harsh denunciatory spirit, without delight in criticizing and discerning stains, without partiality and hypocrisy, without magnifying trifles, speaking evil, grumbling, and scourging church and home with a restless, dissatisfied temper. It governs spirit, words and deportment in purity and kindness so they do not represent the attributes of Satan and deny Christ, for truth is ever pure in operation and ever kind. When the heart is transformed the critic stops criticizing and reveals a tender spirit that strengthens weak hands and confirms feeble knees.
Not seeking its own is freedom from selfishness and unsanctified ambition for authority, preeminence and reputation, from mortified pride, self-esteem, self-valuation, and demand for due respect and superior influence. It walks in humility and breathes a heavenly fragrance unmingled with selfishness, giving brethren credit for conscientiousness and putting the good of others before self. It shows kindness not only to those who extol and favor, and sacrifices pet ideas and preferences to keep unity and peace. It does not pursue its own honor and is not lifted up to vainglory even by great endowments such as the gift of utterance, but in pure, sanctified, humble love loves God supremely and neighbor as self as shown in delighting to do God's will, which alone makes workers successful in winning souls while eloquence, knowledge, outward devotion and rare talents without it are nothing. It puts far away every selfish consideration, unfeeling harshness, oppression, hurting and condemning that injure and bruise others, which offends God and comes from Satan.
This unselfish love governs impulses, subdues enmity, elevates affection, controls the passions, and acts with humility, patience, mercy and forgiveness rather than exalting self. It is a principle of action shaping character that leads to living and working for others beyond household, friends, and those who return favors, following Christ's example of toil and suffering. Christian holiness requires wholehearted service rather than living for self, shown through sacrifice that puts Christ's honor and glory first and is ready to give all for the Redeemer who gave all. It means denying self to do others good and devoting self and all to Christ's service rather than making pleasure and selfish interest the chief objects of life. Those who live this way become faithful stewards whose interests are brought by God's law in the heart into subordination to high and eternal considerations, making the interest and prosperity of Christ's kingdom and His righteousness first, and they realize the happiness which the selfish seek in vain. The love of God is free from all selfishness and seeks no advantage for self, making the prosperity of God's institutions the first consideration and exercising unmeasured self-denial without tasting its bitterness.
In practice it does not despise small, commonplace or menial duties, knows no contempt for obscure service, and does not measure work by greatness or conspicuousness or seek recognition, but measures by the help given. It is kind and unselfish, thinking of works of kindness and finding joy in doing good and blessing others, calling nothing inferior that needs to be done. Like Christ it labors as earnestly in lesser as in larger works, cheerfully doing necessary home duties in private as well as public life, with nothing too small for notice, even to gathering litter and shavings and putting them in the right place. It does not take offense when motives, words or actions are misunderstood or misrepresented, but continues steadily in kindness and humility, not earned by others' approval or affection but flowing from receiving God's grace and loving others as His purchased possession while trusting His mercy and love.
Love of self is the opposite that destroys peace by keeping self alive to guard against humiliation and insult. When self is dead and the life is hidden with Christ, love does not act unbecomingly, does not pursue its own interests or insist on its own way, is not provoked or quickly irritated, and keeps no account of wrong. Then neglects and slights are not taken to heart, for love is deaf to reproach and blind to scorn and insult, yielding its will, being kind and forbearing, and seeking others' happiness, which prevents unhappiness and conflict. That love gives a constant and abiding peace independent of circumstances, goods or friends, and when manifested in the home it provokes no quarrel, returns no angry answer, soothes the irritated temper, and spreads a gentleness felt by all in the household.
Calmness Under Provocation
Not to be easily provoked means to be slow to anger, patient, long-suffering, forbearing, calm and self-controlled in spirit, words, temper and works. The spirit is cleansed from all earthliness and unholy, uncharitable thought, the words are made clean and sanctified so they revive and refresh associates, and the praise of God is kept in the heart and upon the lips. Love so governed does not act from impulse, feeling or circumstance, does not urge others to see and feel at once as it does, does not become discouraged and restless and wish a change when expectations fail, but waits patiently for slower minds to weigh evidence. It is mild, gentle, humble, forbearing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things, and rash zeal, denunciation and censure are contrary to it and can destroy influence.
It does not look out for slights, take neglect to heart, or think itself wounded. It does not fly into passion when business matters disturb the mind, attack anyone it dares attack, make the innocent suffer, or make a wife the object of anger and violence because she is afraid. Such a violent course is imbued with the spirit of Satan, destroys the confidence of children in Christianity, and bars the way against their receiving the truth. It does not flare into anger at any time under any temptation or sore trial, but even amid sorrow and suffering of mind over the guilt of erring youth controls spirit and words, responding with great tenderness, pity and patient labor for restoration while putting entire trust in God who sees sorrow, gives constant grace to keep from falling, pardons transgression, forgives sin and saves the erring when they humble their hearts. Copying Jesus who met reviling, mockery and cruel taunts with uncomplaining silence without resentment, impatience or retaliation but only pity and love, it refuses to dwell on feeling unappreciated, forgets self in loving service, loves others despite defects, and trusts God who judges rightly, because constantly imagining neglect does great harm to self and others.
When self is dead and the life is hidden with Christ in God, love ends self-seeking and touchiness and gives constant and abiding peace that does not depend on circumstances, goods or friends. Love of self destroys peace by keeping self alive to guard against humiliation and insult, but this love does not take neglects or slights to heart, being deaf to reproach and blind to scorn and insult and able to endure them. When the meekness of Christ is manifested in the home it provokes no quarrel, returns no angry answer, soothes the irritated temper, and spreads a gentleness felt by all in the household.
In plans and decisions this love puts self aside when hidden in Jesus, does not seek its own interest and thinks no evil, keeping judgment dispassionate rather than one-sided and warped and supporting fair counsel. It forbids trying to help unbelievers by finding fault with them and forbids using periodicals for reproof or personal attacks, requiring a spiritual attitude in words, temper and works that shows feeding on Christ the bread of life and the Spirit of Christ dwelling within. A Christian so ruled cultivates a meek and quiet spirit, calm and considerate of others, with a happy temper that sickness does not make irritable and that weather or circumstances do not disturb, suffering long and being kind, hoping all things and enduring all things, so that all who see him take knowledge that he has been with Jesus and his words and actions testify that his religion is full of good fruits. Patience in service brings rest to the soul, humble diligent faithful work promotes the welfare of God's people, and a word of love and encouragement subdues hasty temper and wilful disposition far better than faultfinding and censure.
Ministers, teachers and parents must show perfect self-control in dealing with minds because each soul cost the price of God's dear Son. Love does not act from impatience, anger, evil temper, self-dignity, human passion not under the control of the Spirit, undue dignity and supremacy, harsh condemnatory spirit, or domineering mastery, but comes close to students with self-denial, universal kindness, long-suffering love after the Saviour's example, deep earnest desire to help them, and calmness joined to necessary decision even in reforming neglected children without parental cooperation. To destroy influence over a human soul by impatience is a terrible mistake that may lose that soul for Christ, since injudicious management can warp youthful minds with injury never entirely overcome, mar the soul trying to be corrected, embitter it, and keep prodigals out of the kingdom instead of healing and curing. Being quickly angered and suspecting evil, with jealousy, envy, pride, uncharitable feeling, self-righteousness, harshness, coldness and lack of sympathy, are attributes of Satan met in students but not to be developed in teachers themselves.
Christ's love does not withdraw when others have blemishes but continues to flow, bearing long with neglect, forgetfulness, ingratitude and disobedience, never failing and never growing impatient, and enduring far greater wrongs than any trivial grievance suffered from others in order to save. Believers therefore have tender thoughtfulness for those around them, refuse harsh condemnation, delight in mercy, recount what Christ has borne, bring truth into life and character to exemplify Christ, refuse to magnify defects, look at the best and not the worst features of character, and show unselfish love going out to others in deeds, sympathy and kindness with peace with God and an indwelling Saviour.
Thinking No Evil
Thinketh no evil means putting the very best construction possible upon the conduct, words and actions of others, attributing good motives as one would desire for self, believing not evil and false reports but all that is pure and good and of good report, gathering the good and rejoicing in the truth rather than watching for evil. Love ruled by this trait is unsuspecting and not suspicious, giving motives and actions the most favorable interpretation, recalling the good qualities of one who is being spoken against or defamed, and refusing to needlessly expose faults or eagerly accept and listen to unfavorable reports. To live contrary leaves thought and memory under subjection so a person cannot see aright, hear aright, or understand aright, while continually suspecting evil affects the attitude so as to create the very evil suspected.
It forbids suspecting evil in others and mistrusting brethren, imagining evil and offenses where none exist, seeing offense and slights where none were intended, and staying on the watch for discourtesies, grievances, neglect and provocations against self. It forbids not regarding others as enemies because they do not meet with a smile, not taking saving from overwork as lack of confidence or putting responsibilities on others as lack of trust, not spending hours in grief and despondency thinking brethren merely tolerate without confidence, and not looking only for what is unfortunate and disagreeable in acquaintance. It forbids making the most of every inconsiderate word or act, magnifying little things and interpreting little actions as meant to injure while good things fade from memory, recalling those faults when envy, prejudice and jealousy are active, construing words to mean demerit, and placing others in a false light as if a false estimation were correct. It forbids entertaining the thoughts and sophistry Satan presents to the mind, believing gossip and they-say reports, making the worst appear in associates, yielding to unpleasant feelings supposed in others so they awaken unpleasant feelings in return, and pouring over disagreeable things, contemplating mistakes and errors, watching every word and action to make a dark catalogue, and speaking words of criticism. Doing that shows an unchristian heart without love and without the blessed attributes of Jesus, and calls for war against jealousy, envy, evil surmising, wanting one's own way and will, and hurting the heart of Christ, instead of war against one another.
It forbids needlessly exposing faults, eagerly listening to unfavorable reports, covering jealousy with pretense of conscientiousness, suggesting doubts by sideways hints about matters never borne as burdens, repeating hearsay without learning facts from the accused, and cruelly publicizing real or imagined defects. Misjudging a brother's motives and damaging his character in this way dishonors God and wounds Christ in the person of His followers, and stands opposite to Christlike fruit that makes Christians true, pure and holy with sympathy, love and faithfulness, telling for time and eternity against Satan as accuser. In daily association this love keeps conversation guarded so there is no need for repentance, speaks from a heart where love of truth dwells about truth and the blessed hope, seeks to establish and build up a brother in the most holy faith, refuses any word detrimental to character, gives no encouragement to evil-speaking but kindly reminds the speaker the Word forbids it, empties the soul temple of defilement so Christ may dwell within, and by unity and fruit gives evidence of childhood to God.
Instead love thinks and speaks well of brethren and fellow laborers, recalls good qualities, refuses to feel unkindly, to be suspicious, faultfinding, jealous and harsh in expression and judgment, does unto others as one would have them do unto self, and shows in words and deeds the kindness, gentleness, mutual tender courtesy and mutual affection of Christ's own life and practice. It puts such temptation quickly out of the heart, looks within to make ways perfect before God in the strength of Jesus instead of exercising feeling against those who receive reproof, remembers one's own ways are not faultless, all make mistakes again and again, no one is perfect but Jesus, and others' experiences cannot be measured by one's own, and keeps the lips as with a bridle. Looking away from the disagreeable to Jesus to love Him more obtains His attractive beauty and grace, lets His love pervade the heart, leads to repentance and confession, and represents Christ to make church members consecrated vessels unto honor bringing happiness, for beholding defects weakens faith and loses God and His promises from sight while the Lord does not forsake, forget, or treat the erring as people treat one another.
When one seems in error or is overtaken in a fault, love refuses quick anger, suspicion, jealousy, evil surmising, unverified rumors, faultfinding, condemnation, magnifying small mistakes, and speaking to discredit, and refuses to tell others of the fault or circulate surmisings and reports without effort to save. It gives opportunity for explanation rather than assuming guilt, goes directly and privately alone to the erring one tenderly and respectfully as one would wish to be treated in his place, lays what has been heard against character and influence before him frankly but kindly, tells his danger and mistake, restores in meekness remembering common liability to temptation and the same sinful nature where none is perfect, prays with and for him, and uses words that comfort and heal, for the work is to save and forgive as Christ died to save, not to condemn. It shuts the mind against hearsay and jealousy, refuses to watch with open ears for scandal and to gather trifling incidents and repeat and exaggerate them until a person is made an offender for a word, so unity is preserved and tale-bearing rejected.
Cherishing bitterness, suspicion, distrust, jealousy, division and evil-surmising makes the heart hard, cold and distrustful of everybody, desecrates and defiles the soul temple by Satan, brings weakness, drives peace away so the peace of Christ has no place, corrupts and makes unprofitable the health of the soul and spiritual life, creates difficulties and alienations, advances the enemy's work and tears down what God would build up, and leaves watchers for evil corrupted, questioning, doubting, crippled, scarred, and in crisis found on the enemy's side. Trying instead to find what good there is in one another would make heaven on earth, and dwelling no more on errors and faults but carrying the love and sympathy of Jesus in benevolent actions, tenderness and forbearance in home life, lets His love pervade the soul and His grace remove rough edges in probationary time fitting for the purer higher life.
Living it requires bringing thoughts into captivity under the softening subduing influence of the Holy Spirit, striving for mastery over self so the spiritual gains ascendancy over the temporal, watching and praying not to enter temptation, resisting the devil so he will flee, refusing to accept evil and call it good, and using words as salt to preserve good qualities and destroy evil. It requires by God's will closing eyes, ears and heart to provocations and to suggestions that would fill them with suspicion, impatience and retaliation, bearing with patience the faults, failings and perversity of others as Christ bears with infirmity, showing tender sympathy in speech instead of cutting words, stern criticism, harsh language and unkind suspicion, and keeping noble silence when exposed to evil surmising or outrage, which is stronger than kings or conquerors and makes one affable, kind, patient, humble, yet courageous and firm for truth. It requires cultivating compassion, tenderness and Christian meekness, thinking before speaking, meditating and praying before deciding, never letting others' opinions discourage from God's will, going calmly fearlessly trusting God, keeping down resentment, committing the case to God, praying more earnestly when feelings are tried, refusing self-pity and the thought of being abused when efforts seem unappreciated, keeping the mind free from annoyance and close fellowship with Jesus, holding truth at any price to purify thoughts and weed unholy suggestions, and governing words by solemn covenant with God through watching unto prayer and humble contrite prayer.
Keeping it increases usefulness fourfold, brings heaven's approval and the confidence of those who love and fear God, brings sweet peace to possess the soul even when the course is spoken against wrongfully, brings present happiness and success and future well-being, keeps the soul in God's love, lets Christ speak and breathe through the person so words exert divine influence, and refuses revengeful speech because it never gives true victory.
Thinking and speaking no evil must be learned as an enduring education for youth and workers bearing fruit to everlasting life, in a spirit of universal kindness that refuses to misjudge motives or misinterpret words and actions, encourages kindliness, weeds criticism and faultfinding out by the roots, watches every tendency of the heart until softened and subdued, bears kindness, love, patience and longsuffering, lifts the hard-pressed worker in infinite love instead of judging and turning needed workers into rebels, looks to Jesus whose gentleness makes great, and trusts God too wise to err and too good to do harm. Holding suspicion, evil-thinking, blaming and accusing offends God and shows a heart not softened and subdued by love and not right with Him, leaving people weak and alienated and institutions burdened, for being quickly angered and suspecting evil with jealousy, envy, pride, uncharitable feeling, self-righteousness, harshness, coldness and lack of sympathy are attributes of Satan. Teachers meet these traits in students, but dealing with the erring from anger, evil temper, impatience, self-dignity and uncontrolled human passion develops the same attributes and mars, embitters and keeps prodigals out of the kingdom instead of healing, while correction should come from love and pity rather than desire to condemn, with meek loving spirit resisting scandal and rumors.
Unity and Restoration in Church
Failure to live this love produces troubles between brethren, discord, strife, and an unhealthy condition of the church, for it forbids self-love and self-esteem that measures self by self and forbids treating surmisings and suspicions about others as correct and judging one another. Lack of understanding of it leads professed Christians to assume all their suspicions are correct, and those suspicions with judging produce the discord. Its instruction is to be believed and obeyed, forbidding those who believe the truth from separating into factions, since such division bears a witness that denies the power of the truth.
The charity it describes must be manifested in church assemblies and in all plans and decisions with Jesus remembered as present in the midst. Under the elevating, controlling influence of the Spirit of God working together with the wisdom from above that cannot err, this love sets aside self-seeking, quick provocation, and evil-surmising. Expressed through meekness, mutual forbearance, and charity, it reconciles people despite differences and keeps disagreements from alienating them, so they can remain united in winning souls to Christ.
It binds God's workers together in sympathy and kindness in willing bonds of friendship, tenderness and faithful constancy, and binds the soul to God as one of the great moral powers of the soul with faith and hope, without which even earnest and zealous ministerial labor is not accepted and cannot do good to the church. It requires tender compassion for those who need help, for those out of the way, and for those committing sins of ignorance, putting far away every selfish consideration, unfeeling harshness, oppression, and hurting and condemning that injure and bruise others, which is an offense to God and comes from Satan. It cultivates patience, brotherly kindness and forbearance in those connected with institutions and all in responsible positions, making them subdued, converted and sanctified by obedience to the truth so that instead of destroying they restore, nourishing and protecting the sheep like a faithful true shepherd after Christ's example. Ministers must therefore deal justly, love mercy and walk humbly, with hearts aglow with earnest love, breaking the hard proud unbelieving heart, remembering they are but men liable to err of like passions with their brethren, coming to brethren where they are weak and need help most, persevering to do them good with pity and love, not burdening them with unnecessary censure but weeping over the erring and backslidden in purest devotion to win souls, constrained by Christ who did all for the helpless bound in chains of darkness, sin and despair and by the infinite value of the soul measured only by the price paid at Calvary. No one without this unselfish, well-behaved love that refuses to make self an idol, to have a high estimate of self, or to fill thoughts and conversation with criticism, but behaves in the home with kindness, gentleness and consideration and cares for the sick and suffering instead of ruling or ruining and biting and devouring, can be entrusted with the flock, and receiving it brings acknowledgment of past failure and humble walking before God.
Toward the erring it strikes deeper than the surface, giving up what one thinks is his right and expelling every vestige of selfishness and human dignity, never acting in an improper, degrading, or selfish way. Fortified with the grace of Christ, it will not deal with erring souls in discouraging, tearing-down, suspending and expelling ways away from saving, uplifting, educating influence, but in constant forgiving love, sympathy, tenderness, compassion and forbearance that binds their interests close as Christ binds sinners to Himself, requiring teachers and all who deal with tempted, failing youth to practice patience, gentleness and forgiveness. It suffereth long and is kind, patient and forbearing in consideration of the erring especially those most in need of patience, and will not be ready to magnify a small indiscretion or direct wrong into large unpardonable offenses nor make capital of others' misdoings. It will never expose another's wrongs and weakness publicly before a whole school unless it is a positive necessity, because such exposure drives the offender to desperation beyond healing and creates evil feelings in hearers. Dispositions opposite to this love have no place in heaven and would make heaven miserable, so to enter heaven a person must be born again and have Christ formed within, the hope of glory, taking heaven with him, and practicing this love makes Christ's yoke easy and His burden light, advancing Christians themselves and molding the character of those brought into relationship with them, because he that dwells in love dwells in God, for God is love.
In counsel it reveals unceasing tenderness by speaking good words to help and strengthen brethren instead of standing apart in self-confidence watching for opportunity to criticize and condemn, by uniting in service and jealously guarding one another's interests even though mistakes are made. It is the tenderness of Christ that does not let self seek supremacy, vaunt self, or speak and act with a spirit unlike Christ's, and does not more readily express own will than the will of God while insisting own will is God's will, nor lose discernment of what spirit is controlling. Disregard of it is the great obstruction to the work, because it destroys love for and confidence in one another and shows itself in criticism and in distrust that imposes rules and regulations over even details of the work.
For those who claim to be servants of God, especially responsible men in publishing institutions and everyone connected with the office of publication, it is God's message calling to humility as learners in the school of Christ so the softening, subduing power of God can come into their lives and the Spirit can work with them. That supreme love to God keeps a worker under the control of unfaltering, steadfast integrity and truth as one working under the eye of God, making him unselfish rather than seeking his own, patient rather than easily provoked, and pure in mind rather than thinking evil, not selfish and unsympathizing. In united work this courteous and unselfish love overlooks minor differences that do not matter, yields personal opinions on such matters so people can work together, and speaks plainly when needed without giving offense, seeking the good of others rather than insisting on its own preferences. It does not dictate how every other worker must labor or force brethren into a fixed groove, but receives help through any channel God sends, puts God's love in rule in the heart to be communicated to associate workers by taking less experienced workers alongside, teaching them how to work, bearing patiently with them, and never closing the door of the heart by sharp words and unkind criticism. Shaped by Christ's mission of mercy it does not foster jealousy, fault-finding, envy, dissension, or struggles for supremacy, and when workers focus on saving souls they grow in piety and purity, share unity of purpose, and let minor differences recede.
Daily and Family Application
In home missionary work the love described in the verse is disinterested, patient, courteous, and pure in thought and speech. To seek not one's own is to work disinterestedly and lovingly for all who are contacted, in lending or selling books, distributing papers, holding Bible readings, and helping neighbors. To be not easily provoked is to work patiently and show no impatience. To not behave unseemly and to think no evil is to utter not one unkind word, but to keep the love of Christ in the heart and the law of kindness on the lips. This love reaches hearts by visiting the sick and suffering with kindly interest to make them more comfortable, by teaching practical skills of cooking, sewing, nursing and home care, and by speaking of a Saviour's love from a warm and throbbing heart.
In family life this love is shown not by self-centeredness or irritability but by considerate, patient conduct in looks, words, and actions, with parents maintaining a kindly, forbearing spirit that they encourage in their children. In marriage it does not put its own pleasure first but gives constant thought to another's happiness and company, treating the wife with courtesy and kind regard, consulting her wishes, and choosing her company rather than leaving her lonely for personal amusement. It does not insist on its own wishes or use controlling behavior, but is patient, forbearing, considerate, and courteous, and by such unselfishness and forbearance spouses preserve their love and serve one another in the life of Christ. True love in marriage must be cultivated to continue with respect, kindness, attention and patience after novelty fades, overlooking mistakes and not dwelling on faults instead of becoming critical, overbearing and dictatorial. The way a man treats his mother reveals whether he has this love, for if he does not respect and honor his mother and care for her wishes and happiness he will not show lasting respectful and patient love to his wife. This true love is of heavenly origin, reasonable and clear-sighted, pure and holy, taking God into all its plans and living in perfect harmony with the Spirit of God. It does not behave unseemly or seek its own gratification, but shows the grace of God in all deportment, with modesty, simplicity, sincerity, morality, and religion characterizing every step toward marriage, and it does not become so absorbed in the other person as to lose interest in prayer and worship, unlike mere passion of the natural heart which is headstrong, rash, unreasonable, defiant of all restraint, and makes an idol of its object.
As houseband who binds the family together and as priest bearing accountability and responsibility, a husband must exercise a love that suffers long and is kind, tender and pitiful, showing pity when his wife makes mistakes with the same patience God has shown toward many errors and sins and the same love Jesus has manifested. That love does not find fault, express the feelings of the natural heart, remain hardhearted and unsympathetic, act exacting and arbitrary, blame wife and brethren for trials from an unconverted heart, or want everything its own way. A man who carries a faultfinding, self-seeking spirit in home and church could not live in heaven without finding fault with God, angels, and saints and resisting divine discipline, and unless he dies to self and is entirely renewed in heart and mind and spirit as a new man in Christ he will be repaid for neglect of duty. The same call not to seek one's own applies to daily home life, where a husband should encourage his wife and reveal Christ through loving, considerate, tender, thoughtful, and unselfish care, becoming a blessing to others.
The fervent charity of the verse is to be cultivated among believers and lived daily by encouraging peace, thinking healthful thoughts, and bringing all possible sunlight into life to bless others as well as self. It sustains steady purpose in fighting the good fight of faith without failing or being discouraged, which requires not laying out so much work as to lose rest, but having periods of rest and quietude of mind.
Among those of the same faith this love means laboring earnestly for the best interests of each other, cherishing tenderness, courtesy, and Christian politeness without fulsome flattery, refusing to weaken one another's hearts and hands, being not easily provoked and thinking no evil, and in every way revealing the attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ even when the world opposes the truth and evil forces are arrayed against them. It is a daily experience of crucifying self and surrendering self to God so that strong love for Christ and for one another grows in the heart, with stronger love for one another and growing interest in one another, using speech only to bless and strengthen, uprooting from the heart all enmity and petty differences, and transforming indifference and coldness into Christlike affection that is broad and comprehensive and takes in the whole plan of salvation. In a church with many temperaments and those newly come to the faith this means patience and long-suffering, meekness and gentleness toward all, wisdom in every word, kindness in thought and speech, gentleness and peacemaking, and helping and blessing others from a heart filled with the love of Jesus. For a church to be living and growing, all thinking evil and speaking evil of one another must be excluded, love for self must be replaced by cultivated love for one another, and each person must strive to excel in practicing the virtues while dwelling in all fullness in Christ Jesus.
The love of God in the verse is free from all selfishness and does not seek advantage for self, making the prosperity of God's institutions the first consideration, exercising self-denial at every point without measure and without tasting its bitterness, and never asking how to gain advantage for self. Medical students reflect it by acting from Bible religion with humility and responsibility, serving suffering people rather than making proud claims about their knowledge.
Love shows itself in four inseparable traits: it acts with decency and courtesy rather than rudeness, it does not pursue its own interest, it is not quickly angered, and it does not harbor evil thoughts toward others. This love is heaven-born and divine, wrought in the heart by the Spirit in true conversion, diffusive and active for the happiness of others, and it grows only by exercise. The whole life of Christ embodied it without exception, making Him the pattern and measure of what it looks like when selfishness is replaced by God's love. In daily conduct it means freedom from selfish ambition and demand for respect, with humility that puts others first, and a calm, patient, self-controlled spirit that is deaf to reproach and does not retaliate under provocation. Toward others it puts the best construction on conduct, refuses suspicion, evil-surmising, and publicizing of faults, and goes privately and tenderly to restore the erring.
Text and Setting
The verse sets forth four traits of love: it does not act improperly or discourteously, it does not insist on its own interests and advantage, it does not readily give way to irritation or quick anger, and it does not dwell on evil thoughts. This heaven-born love stands opposed to bitterness, wrath, envy, jealousy, and evil suspicion, and without it other gifts, qualifications, eloquence, knowledge, faith, liberality, and even great acts of giving and self-sacrifice are worthless and without profit. Genuine love acts with decency, courtesy, humility, and considerateness toward others, requiring believers to put away bitterness and to cultivate kindness and mutual care.
It belongs to Paul's Spirit-inspired description of love, the most valuable treatise on etiquette ever penned, to be permanently remembered by young and old as true courtesy in conduct with good manners. That description places love as greater than spiritual gifts and good deeds, which are valueless without it. Chapters 12 and 13 were given for consideration to unite those brought together in church capacity understandingly and intelligently, under the figure of members composing one body representing the church of God and the relation its members should sustain to one another, and they are to be committed to memory, written in mind and heart, studied and digested rather than ignored.
Charity is the heavenly grace of love that belongs to the eternal state with faith and hope, the greatest of the three, that never fails but endures forever as the crowning glory of the future immortal condition. Prophecy, tongues, and the gift of knowledge with understanding of all mysteries are needed only in the present imperfect childhood state of seeing through a glass darkly and knowing in part. They will fail, cease, and vanish away when that which is perfect is come and face-to-face perfect knowledge arrives.
The verse is God's voice and message to men, to be believed, obeyed, studied, and strictly practiced as a lesson of utmost importance, showing what true Christlike love is and does and requiring professed Christians to live by the rule of God's Word and not merely claim godliness while departing from it. It is addressed especially to those who claim to be His servants and to responsible men, including those in publishing institutions, calling them to humility as learners in the school of Christ so that the softening, subduing power of God can come into their lives and the Spirit can work with them. It is to be applied in continual self-examination for humbling individual self and taking self critically in hand, calling each person to deny, humble, and sacrifice self and to bear his own cross of self-denial, self-humiliation, and self-sacrifice rather than laying his cross on someone else to carry. The love it describes forbids those who believe the truth from separating into factions, since such division bears a witness that denies the power of the truth.
Not easily provoked means not looking out for slights and not thinking oneself wounded, and thinking no evil means not putting the worst construction upon words and actions, not judging motives, not magnifying little things and inconsiderate words and actions as if meant to injure while good things fade from memory. To live contrary to it leaves the senses under a spell so that a person cannot see aright, hear aright, or understand aright, with thought and memory brought under subjection to Satan. The same charity also suffers long, is kind, envies not, and is not puffed up, while speaking with tongues, prophecy, mountain-moving faith, bestowing all goods to feed the poor, and giving the body to be burned profit nothing without it. This charity is God's instruction and prescription for relieving chronic maladies of the spiritual life that also reach the physical and mental powers, bringing light, health, righteousness, and continual guidance, more useful than drugs.
Nature and Worth of Love
This love is heaven-born, Christlike, sanctified and divine in origin, wrought by the inner work of the Spirit of God in true conversion and received only from Jesus Christ as fruit of the Spirit growing on the Christian tree and the Bible standard to reach. The love of God must be the prevailing sentiment in the heart because God is love, and without it no one can be a laborer together with Him. It is diffusive in character, leading its possessor to seek the happiness and prosperity of others, practicing good will toward all, and it is active in doing good and cannot live without action. Every loving act increases, strengthens and extends it, and it is measured by how much love one works with rather than how much one does. It lives in the soul through abiding Christ and appears in spirit, words and deeds as a bright shining light, tender and forbearing like Christ's love for His enemies, returning in stronger waves when beaten back by resistance, never chilled into coldness, overcoming little bruises, sensitive feelings and differences in feeling, habit and custom with healing. It is not extinguished by opposition but bears long with dullness of comprehension and grief of spirit, suffers long and is kind, is tested so its growth may be developed, is free from selfishness and desire for glory, does not pursue its own honor, is not lifted up to vainglory even by great endowments such as the gift of utterance, and will not deal in envy and evil surmising.
Without this heaven-born love other gifts and qualifications are worthless, and impressive gifts, eloquence, knowledge of truth, faith, liberality, zeal, good intentions, outward devotion, rare talents and even great acts of giving or sacrifice and bestowing all goods to feed the poor profit nothing and cannot atone for defects of Christian character. No offering to God can supply its lack, and without it profession is worthless and no one can make a person like Christ. With it Christians are distinguished from worldly people, purified in heart, able to imitate Christ's self-sacrificing care for others, and alone made successful in winning souls. This love is to be learned from this chapter every day for comfort and strength, showing what charity does as courteous, kind and conciliating conduct, walking in humility and giving brethren credit for conscientiousness, exercising tender forgiveness, brotherly kindness, forbearance and patience instead of suspicion, jealousy, censuring and blame, and bearing, believing, hoping and enduring all things.
The verse defines true, Christlike love as courteous conduct without selfishness, quick anger or evil thinking. It expresses the obedience of all who love God and keep His commandments and is brought into action in the life of every true believer. Its statement is to be printed and published everywhere to preach its living sermon.
Not seeking its own is self-sacrificing, self-renouncing love that is the law of life for earth and heaven. Its source is in the heart of God, it comes from God, and it is revealed in Jesus the meek and lowly One. The glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of this love, seen in the light from Calvary and the cross of Christ as the character of God and of the Father who dwells in light no one can approach.
This love must be brought into daily experience as a stronger love for one another and a growing interest in one another, requiring crucifying self and surrendering self to God and cultivating faith and love at all times and under all circumstances. It is received through a strong, steady, broad and comprehensive belief in the truth that takes in the whole plan of salvation with its purpose of love and mercy, while a spurious faith leads only to confidence in self and criticism of others and quenches Christlike love, and strong genuine faith keeps alive strong love for the Saviour. It uproots from the heart all enmity and petty differences and transforms indifference and coldness into Christlike affection for Christ and for one another, using speech only to bless and strengthen. The deeper the love for Christ, the deeper the love for one another, so it is impossible to love Christ and at the same time act discourteously toward one another, draw apart from one another, or show no love or sympathy.
The love is a precious plant of heavenly origin in the heart that must be cherished with studious effort and given every advantage to flourish in order for the church to prosper, and cultivated daily by seeing in every fellow person the purchase of the blood of Christ. Every true Christian develops this divine love in word and act, revealing forbearance, beneficence, mildness, gentleness, long-suffering, calmness under provocation, bearing all things and enduring all things, seeking not self but the interests of others, and freedom from envy and jealousy. It does not repulse others and is not unapproachable, cold and indifferent to their interests, keeps self-control even under provocation, does not impute wrong motives and evil intentions to others, but feels deeply over sin when discovered in any disciple of Christ. In daily association it keeps conversation guarded so there is no need for repentance, speaks from a heart where love of truth dwells about truth and the blessed hope in Jesus, seeks to establish and build up a brother in the most holy faith, refuses any word detrimental to the character of friend or brother, gives no encouragement to evil-speaking but kindly reminds the speaker that the Word forbids it, empties the soul temple of everything defiling so Christ may dwell within, cherishes His Spirit and manifests His love in kindness, patience and forbearance, and by this unity and fruit gives the world evidence of childhood to God while growing in love for God and the truth in the position where God can bestow His love. Bible charity is not sentimentalism but love in active exercise, and it does not cover evil with a mantle of false charity, heal hurt slightly by saying peace, peace when there is no peace, or confederate together to call sin holiness and truth, for that is the counterfeit article.
Christ the Pattern and Standard
The entire life of Jesus embodied these four traits without a single exception, even while surrounded by a world filled with pride and selfishness. In place of unseemly conduct He showed true courtesy and respect for others, in place of seeking His own He lived selflessly, in place of quick provocation He remained calm, and in place of evil thinking He was pure. That charity proves selfishness naturally written on the human heart has been replaced by the love of God, forming the image and superscription of Jesus Christ within.
The verse gives one part of the measure of a character imbued with the love of Christ, setting forth the marks and likeness of Christ to be borne. It reveals the possibilities and the heights that may be reached in and through Jesus Christ, presenting perfection in Him as the standard attainable through His merits by all for whom He died. That change comes by beholding Christ from glory to glory, and requires a living experiential knowledge of God, since no one yet has the full measure of the nature of the heavenly Father or of the character of the Son of God as it is.
Coming short of that standard comes from being content to look at earthly and common things rather than heavenly things. When the eye fixed on common things is lifted higher and still higher, character is elevated and transformed.
Nearness to Christ in His kingdom is decided by drinking most deeply on earth of His self-sacrificing spirit. That love does not seek its own advantage, is not easily provoked, and thinks no evil, and it moves the disciple as it moved Christ to give all and to live and labor and sacrifice even unto death for the saving of humanity. The same spirit was made manifest in the life of Paul.
These traits are fruit of the grace of God, received only by crucifying self, surrendering self to God, and earnest seeking through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Where they are wanting there is lack of the Spirit of Christ, and greater faith brings more of Christ, making the receiver a child of God and not a child of the wicked one. They must be brought into daily experience as a stronger, broad and comprehensive love for one another with growing interest in one another, using speech only to bless and strengthen. Received through a broad belief in the truth that takes in the whole plan of salvation with its purpose of love and mercy, this love uproots from the heart all enmity and petty differences and transforms indifference and coldness into Christlike affection, while a spurious faith leads only to confidence in self and criticism of others and quenches it, and the stubborn will must be subdued until the heart says Not my will but Thine be done.
Courteous and Unselfish Conduct
Love that does not act unbecomingly is true courtesy in conduct, acting with decency, good manners, cheerfulness, kindliness, geniality, gentle speech, and a sunny countenance and voice. Outward kindness is added to inward sincerity and uprightness, and geniality to kindness of heart, with good will toward all, conciliation, humility, tender forgiveness, brotherly kindness, forbearance and patience. Cheerfulness and courtesy are to be cultivated, especially by parents and teachers, in cheerful countenance, gentle voice and courteous manner as elements of power, since children are attracted by a sunny demeanor and return kindness and courtesy toward others. Lack of courtesy mars personal happiness, detracts from service to others, and sacrifices many of life's sweetest and most helpful experiences, often from mere want of thought. Such love does not act rashly, arrogantly, harshly, or in a controlling and fault-finding way, but leads to gentle, courteous, compassionate conduct whether others please or mistreat, actively keeping their good in view and restraining inconsiderate actions that would hinder winning them. Where the love of God is in the heart it always produces gentle speech, with no quick disturbance and no loose rein given to passion, living under the restraining yoke of Christ's Spirit so that only words He can approve are spoken and hot, fiery words that would shame Him standing by are refused.
In detail this means mild and circumspect speech, kind forgiving courtesy as Christ lived, with works of piety, equity and purity and meekness of wisdom, and with tender compassion for all. It is without harsh denunciatory spirit, without delight in criticizing and discerning stains, without partiality and hypocrisy, without magnifying trifles, speaking evil, grumbling, and scourging church and home with a restless, dissatisfied temper. It governs spirit, words and deportment in purity and kindness so they do not represent the attributes of Satan and deny Christ, for truth is ever pure in operation and ever kind. When the heart is transformed the critic stops criticizing and reveals a tender spirit that strengthens weak hands and confirms feeble knees.
Not seeking its own is freedom from selfishness and unsanctified ambition for authority, preeminence and reputation, from mortified pride, self-esteem, self-valuation, and demand for due respect and superior influence. It walks in humility and breathes a heavenly fragrance unmingled with selfishness, giving brethren credit for conscientiousness and putting the good of others before self. It shows kindness not only to those who extol and favor, and sacrifices pet ideas and preferences to keep unity and peace. It does not pursue its own honor and is not lifted up to vainglory even by great endowments such as the gift of utterance, but in pure, sanctified, humble love loves God supremely and neighbor as self as shown in delighting to do God's will, which alone makes workers successful in winning souls while eloquence, knowledge, outward devotion and rare talents without it are nothing. It puts far away every selfish consideration, unfeeling harshness, oppression, hurting and condemning that injure and bruise others, which offends God and comes from Satan.
This unselfish love governs impulses, subdues enmity, elevates affection, controls the passions, and acts with humility, patience, mercy and forgiveness rather than exalting self. It is a principle of action shaping character that leads to living and working for others beyond household, friends, and those who return favors, following Christ's example of toil and suffering. Christian holiness requires wholehearted service rather than living for self, shown through sacrifice that puts Christ's honor and glory first and is ready to give all for the Redeemer who gave all. It means denying self to do others good and devoting self and all to Christ's service rather than making pleasure and selfish interest the chief objects of life. Those who live this way become faithful stewards whose interests are brought by God's law in the heart into subordination to high and eternal considerations, making the interest and prosperity of Christ's kingdom and His righteousness first, and they realize the happiness which the selfish seek in vain. The love of God is free from all selfishness and seeks no advantage for self, making the prosperity of God's institutions the first consideration and exercising unmeasured self-denial without tasting its bitterness.
In practice it does not despise small, commonplace or menial duties, knows no contempt for obscure service, and does not measure work by greatness or conspicuousness or seek recognition, but measures by the help given. It is kind and unselfish, thinking of works of kindness and finding joy in doing good and blessing others, calling nothing inferior that needs to be done. Like Christ it labors as earnestly in lesser as in larger works, cheerfully doing necessary home duties in private as well as public life, with nothing too small for notice, even to gathering litter and shavings and putting them in the right place. It does not take offense when motives, words or actions are misunderstood or misrepresented, but continues steadily in kindness and humility, not earned by others' approval or affection but flowing from receiving God's grace and loving others as His purchased possession while trusting His mercy and love.
Love of self is the opposite that destroys peace by keeping self alive to guard against humiliation and insult. When self is dead and the life is hidden with Christ, love does not act unbecomingly, does not pursue its own interests or insist on its own way, is not provoked or quickly irritated, and keeps no account of wrong. Then neglects and slights are not taken to heart, for love is deaf to reproach and blind to scorn and insult, yielding its will, being kind and forbearing, and seeking others' happiness, which prevents unhappiness and conflict. That love gives a constant and abiding peace independent of circumstances, goods or friends, and when manifested in the home it provokes no quarrel, returns no angry answer, soothes the irritated temper, and spreads a gentleness felt by all in the household.
Calmness Under Provocation
Not to be easily provoked means to be slow to anger, patient, long-suffering, forbearing, calm and self-controlled in spirit, words, temper and works. The spirit is cleansed from all earthliness and unholy, uncharitable thought, the words are made clean and sanctified so they revive and refresh associates, and the praise of God is kept in the heart and upon the lips. Love so governed does not act from impulse, feeling or circumstance, does not urge others to see and feel at once as it does, does not become discouraged and restless and wish a change when expectations fail, but waits patiently for slower minds to weigh evidence. It is mild, gentle, humble, forbearing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things, and rash zeal, denunciation and censure are contrary to it and can destroy influence.
It does not look out for slights, take neglect to heart, or think itself wounded. It does not fly into passion when business matters disturb the mind, attack anyone it dares attack, make the innocent suffer, or make a wife the object of anger and violence because she is afraid. Such a violent course is imbued with the spirit of Satan, destroys the confidence of children in Christianity, and bars the way against their receiving the truth. It does not flare into anger at any time under any temptation or sore trial, but even amid sorrow and suffering of mind over the guilt of erring youth controls spirit and words, responding with great tenderness, pity and patient labor for restoration while putting entire trust in God who sees sorrow, gives constant grace to keep from falling, pardons transgression, forgives sin and saves the erring when they humble their hearts. Copying Jesus who met reviling, mockery and cruel taunts with uncomplaining silence without resentment, impatience or retaliation but only pity and love, it refuses to dwell on feeling unappreciated, forgets self in loving service, loves others despite defects, and trusts God who judges rightly, because constantly imagining neglect does great harm to self and others.
When self is dead and the life is hidden with Christ in God, love ends self-seeking and touchiness and gives constant and abiding peace that does not depend on circumstances, goods or friends. Love of self destroys peace by keeping self alive to guard against humiliation and insult, but this love does not take neglects or slights to heart, being deaf to reproach and blind to scorn and insult and able to endure them. When the meekness of Christ is manifested in the home it provokes no quarrel, returns no angry answer, soothes the irritated temper, and spreads a gentleness felt by all in the household.
In plans and decisions this love puts self aside when hidden in Jesus, does not seek its own interest and thinks no evil, keeping judgment dispassionate rather than one-sided and warped and supporting fair counsel. It forbids trying to help unbelievers by finding fault with them and forbids using periodicals for reproof or personal attacks, requiring a spiritual attitude in words, temper and works that shows feeding on Christ the bread of life and the Spirit of Christ dwelling within. A Christian so ruled cultivates a meek and quiet spirit, calm and considerate of others, with a happy temper that sickness does not make irritable and that weather or circumstances do not disturb, suffering long and being kind, hoping all things and enduring all things, so that all who see him take knowledge that he has been with Jesus and his words and actions testify that his religion is full of good fruits. Patience in service brings rest to the soul, humble diligent faithful work promotes the welfare of God's people, and a word of love and encouragement subdues hasty temper and wilful disposition far better than faultfinding and censure.
Ministers, teachers and parents must show perfect self-control in dealing with minds because each soul cost the price of God's dear Son. Love does not act from impatience, anger, evil temper, self-dignity, human passion not under the control of the Spirit, undue dignity and supremacy, harsh condemnatory spirit, or domineering mastery, but comes close to students with self-denial, universal kindness, long-suffering love after the Saviour's example, deep earnest desire to help them, and calmness joined to necessary decision even in reforming neglected children without parental cooperation. To destroy influence over a human soul by impatience is a terrible mistake that may lose that soul for Christ, since injudicious management can warp youthful minds with injury never entirely overcome, mar the soul trying to be corrected, embitter it, and keep prodigals out of the kingdom instead of healing and curing. Being quickly angered and suspecting evil, with jealousy, envy, pride, uncharitable feeling, self-righteousness, harshness, coldness and lack of sympathy, are attributes of Satan met in students but not to be developed in teachers themselves.
Christ's love does not withdraw when others have blemishes but continues to flow, bearing long with neglect, forgetfulness, ingratitude and disobedience, never failing and never growing impatient, and enduring far greater wrongs than any trivial grievance suffered from others in order to save. Believers therefore have tender thoughtfulness for those around them, refuse harsh condemnation, delight in mercy, recount what Christ has borne, bring truth into life and character to exemplify Christ, refuse to magnify defects, look at the best and not the worst features of character, and show unselfish love going out to others in deeds, sympathy and kindness with peace with God and an indwelling Saviour.
Thinking No Evil
Thinketh no evil means putting the very best construction possible upon the conduct, words and actions of others, attributing good motives as one would desire for self, believing not evil and false reports but all that is pure and good and of good report, gathering the good and rejoicing in the truth rather than watching for evil. Love ruled by this trait is unsuspecting and not suspicious, giving motives and actions the most favorable interpretation, recalling the good qualities of one who is being spoken against or defamed, and refusing to needlessly expose faults or eagerly accept and listen to unfavorable reports. To live contrary leaves thought and memory under subjection so a person cannot see aright, hear aright, or understand aright, while continually suspecting evil affects the attitude so as to create the very evil suspected.
It forbids suspecting evil in others and mistrusting brethren, imagining evil and offenses where none exist, seeing offense and slights where none were intended, and staying on the watch for discourtesies, grievances, neglect and provocations against self. It forbids not regarding others as enemies because they do not meet with a smile, not taking saving from overwork as lack of confidence or putting responsibilities on others as lack of trust, not spending hours in grief and despondency thinking brethren merely tolerate without confidence, and not looking only for what is unfortunate and disagreeable in acquaintance. It forbids making the most of every inconsiderate word or act, magnifying little things and interpreting little actions as meant to injure while good things fade from memory, recalling those faults when envy, prejudice and jealousy are active, construing words to mean demerit, and placing others in a false light as if a false estimation were correct. It forbids entertaining the thoughts and sophistry Satan presents to the mind, believing gossip and they-say reports, making the worst appear in associates, yielding to unpleasant feelings supposed in others so they awaken unpleasant feelings in return, and pouring over disagreeable things, contemplating mistakes and errors, watching every word and action to make a dark catalogue, and speaking words of criticism. Doing that shows an unchristian heart without love and without the blessed attributes of Jesus, and calls for war against jealousy, envy, evil surmising, wanting one's own way and will, and hurting the heart of Christ, instead of war against one another.
It forbids needlessly exposing faults, eagerly listening to unfavorable reports, covering jealousy with pretense of conscientiousness, suggesting doubts by sideways hints about matters never borne as burdens, repeating hearsay without learning facts from the accused, and cruelly publicizing real or imagined defects. Misjudging a brother's motives and damaging his character in this way dishonors God and wounds Christ in the person of His followers, and stands opposite to Christlike fruit that makes Christians true, pure and holy with sympathy, love and faithfulness, telling for time and eternity against Satan as accuser. In daily association this love keeps conversation guarded so there is no need for repentance, speaks from a heart where love of truth dwells about truth and the blessed hope, seeks to establish and build up a brother in the most holy faith, refuses any word detrimental to character, gives no encouragement to evil-speaking but kindly reminds the speaker the Word forbids it, empties the soul temple of defilement so Christ may dwell within, and by unity and fruit gives evidence of childhood to God.
Instead love thinks and speaks well of brethren and fellow laborers, recalls good qualities, refuses to feel unkindly, to be suspicious, faultfinding, jealous and harsh in expression and judgment, does unto others as one would have them do unto self, and shows in words and deeds the kindness, gentleness, mutual tender courtesy and mutual affection of Christ's own life and practice. It puts such temptation quickly out of the heart, looks within to make ways perfect before God in the strength of Jesus instead of exercising feeling against those who receive reproof, remembers one's own ways are not faultless, all make mistakes again and again, no one is perfect but Jesus, and others' experiences cannot be measured by one's own, and keeps the lips as with a bridle. Looking away from the disagreeable to Jesus to love Him more obtains His attractive beauty and grace, lets His love pervade the heart, leads to repentance and confession, and represents Christ to make church members consecrated vessels unto honor bringing happiness, for beholding defects weakens faith and loses God and His promises from sight while the Lord does not forsake, forget, or treat the erring as people treat one another.
When one seems in error or is overtaken in a fault, love refuses quick anger, suspicion, jealousy, evil surmising, unverified rumors, faultfinding, condemnation, magnifying small mistakes, and speaking to discredit, and refuses to tell others of the fault or circulate surmisings and reports without effort to save. It gives opportunity for explanation rather than assuming guilt, goes directly and privately alone to the erring one tenderly and respectfully as one would wish to be treated in his place, lays what has been heard against character and influence before him frankly but kindly, tells his danger and mistake, restores in meekness remembering common liability to temptation and the same sinful nature where none is perfect, prays with and for him, and uses words that comfort and heal, for the work is to save and forgive as Christ died to save, not to condemn. It shuts the mind against hearsay and jealousy, refuses to watch with open ears for scandal and to gather trifling incidents and repeat and exaggerate them until a person is made an offender for a word, so unity is preserved and tale-bearing rejected.
Cherishing bitterness, suspicion, distrust, jealousy, division and evil-surmising makes the heart hard, cold and distrustful of everybody, desecrates and defiles the soul temple by Satan, brings weakness, drives peace away so the peace of Christ has no place, corrupts and makes unprofitable the health of the soul and spiritual life, creates difficulties and alienations, advances the enemy's work and tears down what God would build up, and leaves watchers for evil corrupted, questioning, doubting, crippled, scarred, and in crisis found on the enemy's side. Trying instead to find what good there is in one another would make heaven on earth, and dwelling no more on errors and faults but carrying the love and sympathy of Jesus in benevolent actions, tenderness and forbearance in home life, lets His love pervade the soul and His grace remove rough edges in probationary time fitting for the purer higher life.
Living it requires bringing thoughts into captivity under the softening subduing influence of the Holy Spirit, striving for mastery over self so the spiritual gains ascendancy over the temporal, watching and praying not to enter temptation, resisting the devil so he will flee, refusing to accept evil and call it good, and using words as salt to preserve good qualities and destroy evil. It requires by God's will closing eyes, ears and heart to provocations and to suggestions that would fill them with suspicion, impatience and retaliation, bearing with patience the faults, failings and perversity of others as Christ bears with infirmity, showing tender sympathy in speech instead of cutting words, stern criticism, harsh language and unkind suspicion, and keeping noble silence when exposed to evil surmising or outrage, which is stronger than kings or conquerors and makes one affable, kind, patient, humble, yet courageous and firm for truth. It requires cultivating compassion, tenderness and Christian meekness, thinking before speaking, meditating and praying before deciding, never letting others' opinions discourage from God's will, going calmly fearlessly trusting God, keeping down resentment, committing the case to God, praying more earnestly when feelings are tried, refusing self-pity and the thought of being abused when efforts seem unappreciated, keeping the mind free from annoyance and close fellowship with Jesus, holding truth at any price to purify thoughts and weed unholy suggestions, and governing words by solemn covenant with God through watching unto prayer and humble contrite prayer.
Keeping it increases usefulness fourfold, brings heaven's approval and the confidence of those who love and fear God, brings sweet peace to possess the soul even when the course is spoken against wrongfully, brings present happiness and success and future well-being, keeps the soul in God's love, lets Christ speak and breathe through the person so words exert divine influence, and refuses revengeful speech because it never gives true victory.
Thinking and speaking no evil must be learned as an enduring education for youth and workers bearing fruit to everlasting life, in a spirit of universal kindness that refuses to misjudge motives or misinterpret words and actions, encourages kindliness, weeds criticism and faultfinding out by the roots, watches every tendency of the heart until softened and subdued, bears kindness, love, patience and longsuffering, lifts the hard-pressed worker in infinite love instead of judging and turning needed workers into rebels, looks to Jesus whose gentleness makes great, and trusts God too wise to err and too good to do harm. Holding suspicion, evil-thinking, blaming and accusing offends God and shows a heart not softened and subdued by love and not right with Him, leaving people weak and alienated and institutions burdened, for being quickly angered and suspecting evil with jealousy, envy, pride, uncharitable feeling, self-righteousness, harshness, coldness and lack of sympathy are attributes of Satan. Teachers meet these traits in students, but dealing with the erring from anger, evil temper, impatience, self-dignity and uncontrolled human passion develops the same attributes and mars, embitters and keeps prodigals out of the kingdom instead of healing, while correction should come from love and pity rather than desire to condemn, with meek loving spirit resisting scandal and rumors.
Unity and Restoration in Church
Failure to live this love produces troubles between brethren, discord, strife, and an unhealthy condition of the church, for it forbids self-love and self-esteem that measures self by self and forbids treating surmisings and suspicions about others as correct and judging one another. Lack of understanding of it leads professed Christians to assume all their suspicions are correct, and those suspicions with judging produce the discord. Its instruction is to be believed and obeyed, forbidding those who believe the truth from separating into factions, since such division bears a witness that denies the power of the truth.
The charity it describes must be manifested in church assemblies and in all plans and decisions with Jesus remembered as present in the midst. Under the elevating, controlling influence of the Spirit of God working together with the wisdom from above that cannot err, this love sets aside self-seeking, quick provocation, and evil-surmising. Expressed through meekness, mutual forbearance, and charity, it reconciles people despite differences and keeps disagreements from alienating them, so they can remain united in winning souls to Christ.
It binds God's workers together in sympathy and kindness in willing bonds of friendship, tenderness and faithful constancy, and binds the soul to God as one of the great moral powers of the soul with faith and hope, without which even earnest and zealous ministerial labor is not accepted and cannot do good to the church. It requires tender compassion for those who need help, for those out of the way, and for those committing sins of ignorance, putting far away every selfish consideration, unfeeling harshness, oppression, and hurting and condemning that injure and bruise others, which is an offense to God and comes from Satan. It cultivates patience, brotherly kindness and forbearance in those connected with institutions and all in responsible positions, making them subdued, converted and sanctified by obedience to the truth so that instead of destroying they restore, nourishing and protecting the sheep like a faithful true shepherd after Christ's example. Ministers must therefore deal justly, love mercy and walk humbly, with hearts aglow with earnest love, breaking the hard proud unbelieving heart, remembering they are but men liable to err of like passions with their brethren, coming to brethren where they are weak and need help most, persevering to do them good with pity and love, not burdening them with unnecessary censure but weeping over the erring and backslidden in purest devotion to win souls, constrained by Christ who did all for the helpless bound in chains of darkness, sin and despair and by the infinite value of the soul measured only by the price paid at Calvary. No one without this unselfish, well-behaved love that refuses to make self an idol, to have a high estimate of self, or to fill thoughts and conversation with criticism, but behaves in the home with kindness, gentleness and consideration and cares for the sick and suffering instead of ruling or ruining and biting and devouring, can be entrusted with the flock, and receiving it brings acknowledgment of past failure and humble walking before God.
Toward the erring it strikes deeper than the surface, giving up what one thinks is his right and expelling every vestige of selfishness and human dignity, never acting in an improper, degrading, or selfish way. Fortified with the grace of Christ, it will not deal with erring souls in discouraging, tearing-down, suspending and expelling ways away from saving, uplifting, educating influence, but in constant forgiving love, sympathy, tenderness, compassion and forbearance that binds their interests close as Christ binds sinners to Himself, requiring teachers and all who deal with tempted, failing youth to practice patience, gentleness and forgiveness. It suffereth long and is kind, patient and forbearing in consideration of the erring especially those most in need of patience, and will not be ready to magnify a small indiscretion or direct wrong into large unpardonable offenses nor make capital of others' misdoings. It will never expose another's wrongs and weakness publicly before a whole school unless it is a positive necessity, because such exposure drives the offender to desperation beyond healing and creates evil feelings in hearers. Dispositions opposite to this love have no place in heaven and would make heaven miserable, so to enter heaven a person must be born again and have Christ formed within, the hope of glory, taking heaven with him, and practicing this love makes Christ's yoke easy and His burden light, advancing Christians themselves and molding the character of those brought into relationship with them, because he that dwells in love dwells in God, for God is love.
In counsel it reveals unceasing tenderness by speaking good words to help and strengthen brethren instead of standing apart in self-confidence watching for opportunity to criticize and condemn, by uniting in service and jealously guarding one another's interests even though mistakes are made. It is the tenderness of Christ that does not let self seek supremacy, vaunt self, or speak and act with a spirit unlike Christ's, and does not more readily express own will than the will of God while insisting own will is God's will, nor lose discernment of what spirit is controlling. Disregard of it is the great obstruction to the work, because it destroys love for and confidence in one another and shows itself in criticism and in distrust that imposes rules and regulations over even details of the work.
For those who claim to be servants of God, especially responsible men in publishing institutions and everyone connected with the office of publication, it is God's message calling to humility as learners in the school of Christ so the softening, subduing power of God can come into their lives and the Spirit can work with them. That supreme love to God keeps a worker under the control of unfaltering, steadfast integrity and truth as one working under the eye of God, making him unselfish rather than seeking his own, patient rather than easily provoked, and pure in mind rather than thinking evil, not selfish and unsympathizing. In united work this courteous and unselfish love overlooks minor differences that do not matter, yields personal opinions on such matters so people can work together, and speaks plainly when needed without giving offense, seeking the good of others rather than insisting on its own preferences. It does not dictate how every other worker must labor or force brethren into a fixed groove, but receives help through any channel God sends, puts God's love in rule in the heart to be communicated to associate workers by taking less experienced workers alongside, teaching them how to work, bearing patiently with them, and never closing the door of the heart by sharp words and unkind criticism. Shaped by Christ's mission of mercy it does not foster jealousy, fault-finding, envy, dissension, or struggles for supremacy, and when workers focus on saving souls they grow in piety and purity, share unity of purpose, and let minor differences recede.
Daily and Family Application
In home missionary work the love described in the verse is disinterested, patient, courteous, and pure in thought and speech. To seek not one's own is to work disinterestedly and lovingly for all who are contacted, in lending or selling books, distributing papers, holding Bible readings, and helping neighbors. To be not easily provoked is to work patiently and show no impatience. To not behave unseemly and to think no evil is to utter not one unkind word, but to keep the love of Christ in the heart and the law of kindness on the lips. This love reaches hearts by visiting the sick and suffering with kindly interest to make them more comfortable, by teaching practical skills of cooking, sewing, nursing and home care, and by speaking of a Saviour's love from a warm and throbbing heart.
In family life this love is shown not by self-centeredness or irritability but by considerate, patient conduct in looks, words, and actions, with parents maintaining a kindly, forbearing spirit that they encourage in their children. In marriage it does not put its own pleasure first but gives constant thought to another's happiness and company, treating the wife with courtesy and kind regard, consulting her wishes, and choosing her company rather than leaving her lonely for personal amusement. It does not insist on its own wishes or use controlling behavior, but is patient, forbearing, considerate, and courteous, and by such unselfishness and forbearance spouses preserve their love and serve one another in the life of Christ. True love in marriage must be cultivated to continue with respect, kindness, attention and patience after novelty fades, overlooking mistakes and not dwelling on faults instead of becoming critical, overbearing and dictatorial. The way a man treats his mother reveals whether he has this love, for if he does not respect and honor his mother and care for her wishes and happiness he will not show lasting respectful and patient love to his wife. This true love is of heavenly origin, reasonable and clear-sighted, pure and holy, taking God into all its plans and living in perfect harmony with the Spirit of God. It does not behave unseemly or seek its own gratification, but shows the grace of God in all deportment, with modesty, simplicity, sincerity, morality, and religion characterizing every step toward marriage, and it does not become so absorbed in the other person as to lose interest in prayer and worship, unlike mere passion of the natural heart which is headstrong, rash, unreasonable, defiant of all restraint, and makes an idol of its object.
As houseband who binds the family together and as priest bearing accountability and responsibility, a husband must exercise a love that suffers long and is kind, tender and pitiful, showing pity when his wife makes mistakes with the same patience God has shown toward many errors and sins and the same love Jesus has manifested. That love does not find fault, express the feelings of the natural heart, remain hardhearted and unsympathetic, act exacting and arbitrary, blame wife and brethren for trials from an unconverted heart, or want everything its own way. A man who carries a faultfinding, self-seeking spirit in home and church could not live in heaven without finding fault with God, angels, and saints and resisting divine discipline, and unless he dies to self and is entirely renewed in heart and mind and spirit as a new man in Christ he will be repaid for neglect of duty. The same call not to seek one's own applies to daily home life, where a husband should encourage his wife and reveal Christ through loving, considerate, tender, thoughtful, and unselfish care, becoming a blessing to others.
The fervent charity of the verse is to be cultivated among believers and lived daily by encouraging peace, thinking healthful thoughts, and bringing all possible sunlight into life to bless others as well as self. It sustains steady purpose in fighting the good fight of faith without failing or being discouraged, which requires not laying out so much work as to lose rest, but having periods of rest and quietude of mind.
Among those of the same faith this love means laboring earnestly for the best interests of each other, cherishing tenderness, courtesy, and Christian politeness without fulsome flattery, refusing to weaken one another's hearts and hands, being not easily provoked and thinking no evil, and in every way revealing the attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ even when the world opposes the truth and evil forces are arrayed against them. It is a daily experience of crucifying self and surrendering self to God so that strong love for Christ and for one another grows in the heart, with stronger love for one another and growing interest in one another, using speech only to bless and strengthen, uprooting from the heart all enmity and petty differences, and transforming indifference and coldness into Christlike affection that is broad and comprehensive and takes in the whole plan of salvation. In a church with many temperaments and those newly come to the faith this means patience and long-suffering, meekness and gentleness toward all, wisdom in every word, kindness in thought and speech, gentleness and peacemaking, and helping and blessing others from a heart filled with the love of Jesus. For a church to be living and growing, all thinking evil and speaking evil of one another must be excluded, love for self must be replaced by cultivated love for one another, and each person must strive to excel in practicing the virtues while dwelling in all fullness in Christ Jesus.
The love of God in the verse is free from all selfishness and does not seek advantage for self, making the prosperity of God's institutions the first consideration, exercising self-denial at every point without measure and without tasting its bitterness, and never asking how to gain advantage for self. Medical students reflect it by acting from Bible religion with humility and responsibility, serving suffering people rather than making proud claims about their knowledge.