June 4, 2023: Love Does Not Envy, Boast or Act Arrogant

"... love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant" (1 Corinthians 13:4, ESV)

Agape love is the highest kind of love known to man. God loves us with agape love. It gives and gives and expects nothing in return to stay motivated to love more. Agape does not envy.

Envy comes from the Greek word 'Zelos,' from which we get the word zealot. One who is envious is zealous about getting his own personal plans and desires, even at the expense of others. You could quickly call this person self-centered and ambitious. He does not consider the needs of others. It is the opposite of being kind. Agape is kind; it does not envy. Real love does not think of itself first; it thinks of others.

Agape does not boast. The word boast comes from a word that means 'lots of self-talk.' It describes a person who continually promotes and exaggerates about himself. It also describes a person who never seems to stop talking because they think what they have to say is so important. It is annoying! Agape love is so secure it does not need to speak about itself. Agape wants to focus on others and edify them because they are valuable.

Agape love is never arrogant. To be arrogant is to be puffed up with thoughts and words about oneself. It thinks too highly of itself because of pride. Agape never does this because it thinks too highly of others. So, what do you see as you look into the mirror of God's word today?