The Excellent Way of Love – Part 3

We have been studying the Excellent Way of Love which is so beautifully described by Paul in his letter to the saints a Corinth. He begins with a powerful message that all the “things” we do are worthless, if we do not do them within the sphere of and influence of love. He writes, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body [a]to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Cor. 13:1-3). Paul’s picture so eloquently paints what function without love would be, that is, a waist, and profitless.

Thus far we’ve studied five definitions of love: 1. “Love suffers long and is kind”, 2. “love does not envy”, 3. “love does not parade itself”, 4. Love “is not puffed up”, and 5. Love “does not behave rudely”. In this issue we will begin to look at the sixth point on love that being…

Love, “does not seek its own” (1 Cor. 13:5) So often, and so sad, we hear people use the expression, “It’s a dog eat dog world.” I believe that there is much truth to this statement, for society in general. Just watch the, and I use this term lightly, “political debates”. All they do is belittle, bite and devour each other, and anyone who doesn’t see things their way. Frankly, it is a depiction of what our society has become. Violence to all who don’t see it “our way”. These people are not seeking the good of the country, the people, or the world they claim to love so much. It is clear, they are seeking only their own interests. But this is not, must not be, nor can it be a characteristic of the faithful brotherhood of believers in Christ! We have been admonished to, “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:17). You cannot fulfill this and be seeking your own. When we read that love, “does not seek its own”, we understand this to mean we’re not to be seeking to be served, rather we seek to serve others, just as our Lord himself did. Jesus after hearing His disciples arguing about which one of them should “be considered the greatest”, said “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.” (Luke 22:24-27). His words should resonate in us, “Yet I am among you as the One who serves” (v.27). This world for the most part cannot comprehend this idea. It is contrary to the carnal nature of man.

But as citizens of the Lord’s kingdom we are not of this word. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” (John 18:36). Every convert to Christ must have a different attitude towards love and service toward other saints, and his fellow man. Paul commands, “…do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2). Read Colossians 3:1-6 and understand that “our life is hidden in Christ”. By the Lord’s own example, and by Paul’s instruction it’s clear that what is being said by the Spirit here is this: A Christian’s main concern is not for himself and Christians cannot be self-centered. Certainly, we are to provide for our own, for “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8). But we also must be concerned for others as well. Paul instructed, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4). Any who are lacking this in their character is will tend to seek their own interests. This is not love, but self-centeredness, and this concern with self, many times will fail to realize the necessary need to assist others. “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Eph. 4:28), that is love seeks not your own needs, but also the needs of others.

Finally, let’s understand that this principle applies to spiritual matters as well as physical matters, and actually this should be loves first and greatest concern; That is the salvation of others. We should be as Paul before Agrippa, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains” (Acts 26:29). Read Romans 1:14-17 and see Paul’s desire for others to be converted. I love verse 15 where Paul said, “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel”. He was so filled with love for others, and with the gospel that he just had to preach it.

Sometimes I know it is hard not to yourself first. But when we are loving in the manner that God loved us, we are able. There is nothing requested or commanded of us that we cannot do, and this is true because we always have the support of the Lord. Never forget, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). No one can say, “I’m a faithful Christian”, then live only for himself. It was said of Christ that He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). We are told, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

As always, in Love

Dave Scarpino

“And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  (Mark 12:31)

Our faithful Creator is worthy to be praised in this assembly. All praise to Him who reigns above in majesty supreme! He gave His Son to die, for all mankind, that He might redeem all. Our blessed Redeemer suffered and died for our sins and is now risen and sitting at the right hand of God as Head of the church. Let us offer the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, knowing that He is the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him. (Hebrews 5:8-9) “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3)