Topic: 1 Corinthians 13:4
The verses recorded in my journal shouted a common theme.
"What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" (1 Corinthians 4:7)
"Your boasting is not good." (1 Corinthians 5:6a)
"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." (1 Corinthians 8:1b)
"[Love] does not boast" (1 Corinthians 13:4b)
Probably none of us would have a hard time explaining what boasting is, but the real question is: Why do I boast?
Is it an insecurity that makes it necessary to promote myself in order to convince others of my worth? Is it a belief that assumes credit for the things in my life -- my hard work, my education and my sacrifice are the reasons for the good things I have?
Boasting is self-centered, promotes self and disregards others. Thus it prevents us from loving, because love is selfless.
Only when we admit that boasting is sin, identify its source and acknowledge that boasting is in fact diametrically opposed to love, will we be able to move beyond boasting and begin to truly love.
And Jesus is our greatest example of love. Although He was God Himself, He became a human being to serve us and ultimately die for us because of His love.
Therefore we don't need to boast in order to boost our sense of worth. We are of great value to God; He loves us unconditionally!
Any boasting we do should be boasting in the Lord as He is at work in and through us and our acomplishments. (1 Cor. 1:31)
Nor should we be proud of our accomplishments. The Bible says that regardless of the good things I do, without love, I am nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2) and I gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:3).
Therefore, let us leave boasting in the past and instead this year, focus on love.
~Gracious God, forgive my boasting and my pride. Help me instead to love, the way You love.
Why does true love not boast? What is the source of boasting in your life?
Suzanne Benner
