Tuesday, July 7, 2015

July 8, 2015

"It (love) does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs." I Corinthians 13:5

When I look at this verse I wonder why Paul even bothered to include it in his description of Godly love. Isn't it just common sense that love would be courteous and polite?

Shouldn't you expect to be treated politely by Christians when you attend a church?

You would think so, but apparently not. I Chapter 11 Paul reprimands the Corinthians for their rude behavior during their church dinners. When they had church dinners some families were bringing meals and eating in front of people who had no food. That's rude!

In Chapter 12 the Apostle rebuked these church members for being rude and divisive with the exercise of their spiritual gifts.

I'm saddened to say that I have seen Christians behaving badly in some of the churches I have served. It is heartbreaking to see people who should know better behave no better than unconverted people.

I've seen otherwise good guys embarrass themselves (and the church) on the softball field shouting at an umpire. I've seen similar shameful outbursts during church league basketball games.

I once had a Treasurer who disagreed with my servant leadership standard for the Leadership Team members. So rather than sit down and talk it out with me, he began "cooking the books" to make it look like the church was struggling financially when in fact it wasn't. He was trying to undermine confidence in my leadership.

There was a small group of people in one church I served that was upset with me over several issues, but rather than discuss it with me they would stand up and walk out just as I came to the platform to preach. 

I have seen Christians chase people out of parking spots and pews. (usually it was visitors they picked on)

Worst of all, I can painfully recall a time or two that I acted rudely.

God only knows the extent of the damage done to the reputation of The Church and to the cause of Christ by Christians behaving badly. That is why I grieve over these examples I shared. Their behavior did not represent them well nor was it typical of our church.

We know better. We are taught to be polite and mannerly before we go off to Kindergarten. Our parents punished us for rude behavior. So why do we still act rudely at times?

The rest of verse five gives some insight into our rude behavior. 

Love is not "self-seeking", not "easily angered" and "keeps no record of wrong".

There is no doubt that the times I was rude it was because I was caught in a moment of selfishness. I think that would account for the rudeness exhibited in the other scenarios I shared earlier.

Being easily angered often results in someone acting rudely as in the examples of the shameful behavior toward umpires and referees.

Keeping a grudge can be a third cause of rude behavior. Keeping a record of wrongs usually leads to the desire to get even.

"Love behaves like it believes" and rude, selfish, angry, vindictive behavior is not what we believe in!

Will you ask God to keep you from acting rudely today?