One of the most used passages in the Bible is found in I Corinthians 13. You might recognize it as the “Love Chapter.” It is used in weddings. You find it on home decor, bookmarks, even non-religious items/organizations use it. That’s because “love” is the essence of life. But just seeing it as a warm fuzzy saying is missing out on the real strength and power of that passage. Let me explain.
The Corinthian church was a mess, and when I say a mess, I mean a royal mess. Division. Incest. Compromise of truth. Quarreling over spiritual gifts. Fighting over who was more important and whom they followed. All those and more. There was one thing missing in all of that mess:
L. O. V. E.
In truth, love covers a multitude of sins. but there is one sin that blows love apart. Maybe stifles is a better word. That sin is pride and arrogance. The want and desire for power. I was speaking with someone recently expressing a genuine concern for a mutual acquaintance who has gotten into hot water. People are clamoring for a resignation. Not too long ago this person was the belle of the ball, the prince of the crown.
What happened? Pride. Arrogance. The inability to want or accept criticism. Surrounding oneself with “yes” people. A crushing of dissenting voices. Compromise of values took place and in its place was placed initiatives that devalued people. Sadly, unless there is repentance and a sincere apology and an honest attempt to change, great will be the fall. I’m afraid the arrogance and “what I want” will be so strong that proper steps will not happen and a life will be broken to pieces. Blame will be cast that “I was misunderstood” or “They are too pig-headed to see the big picture.” I’m afraid “I told you so” will be uttered, which will cause even more damage. I hate that because there had been much positive action. But like a lot of things, the past will be forgotten for the present. All because this person wouldn’t heed the loving, warning voices of others.
In case you need a refresher: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful of proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” I Cor. 13:4-7 (NLT)
Receive it. Learn from it. Give it. Practice it.
It is sad when we become our own stumbling block. Often times we don’t even notice. As you have said, we often surrounded ourselves with people that will not hold us accountable or worse, we push them away when they try. Love can be blinded by the perception of having control. However, repentance and forgiveness can allow reconciliation to take place. I pray for a recognizing of the missteps. I pray for repentance. I pray for forgiveness. I pray ultimately for restoration.
As you have stated Ryan and I can deduce from your comment, that is the only thing that will save this situation IMHO. I pray it happens.
Real love is shown when we place the needs of another above ourselves, just as Jesus did for each and every one of us. There is no room for pride or arrogance. What has happened in this individual is so very sad and so very human. My heart breaks for this soul who seems so lost.
Blessings, Bill!
Real love does exactly what you say Martha. And my heart breaks as well. What started out so good (at least to my eyes) has turned. I, too, pray for this person’s change.
Whenever we do not keep the Lord as our first love, we can go down a slippery slope fast. We do nothing on our own, everything we have been given is given to us through the Lord. God gives us our talents, strengths, skills, brains if you get that messed up and begin to think it’s all about me, look what I did, let pride in, watch out. Praying this person, can lay his pride and arrogance down before it’s to late. We serve an amazing grace filled God, when we humble ourselves to Him, we can repent and start fresh again.
Praying for that as well Gail. I think it is really hard for some people to recognize their own pride and arrogance when there is not accountability set up. Thanks for thinking this through.
That reminder…is definitely one that I need on almost a moment to moment basis these days. It’s crazy to think that we have love down since we are Christians, because love is so deep.
That it is Ed. So simple yet so deep. We must never stop striving to show love.