Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up”
1Corinthians 13:4c
The meaning of this part of Paul’s description of the love of God in action is encompassed in the latter part of his exhortation to the saints in Rome. In Romans 12:10, Paul wrote, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another.” The love of God makes us feel that it is preferable for a brother or sister to have the attention and the privilege. In the love of God, we would prefer that others receive the credit for any good that is done together. The flesh would prompt us to push ourselves to the fore, lest we “miss something”, but the “something” that the love of God wants is the blessing of the Lord, and so, we become willing for others to have the first of anything, or the better seats anywhere. Jesus described it this way: “When you are invited by any man to a wedding, do not sit in the highest place . . . but when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place.” This is the attitude toward others that anyone possesses who puts the love of God in action.
The love of God does not insist on having its own way; nor does it absolutely have to get its point across, in order to be happy. It is willing that others speak, and is content to be quiet when they want to. It is willing to be last; it is willing to have the smallest piece of the pie; it is willing to stay at home to make room for another to go on a trip; it is willing in all things not to have the pre-eminence because it loves God, and it understands that God dwells with the lowly in heart. It never “puts its best foot forward” because it puts no foot forward at all. It waits for the Spirit to open the door, and then it goes in.