Good morning dear friends! We’re taking a few days (how about a few millennia!) to consider how Jesus loves us, and how he is committed to loving through us, for this is the New Commandment recorded in John 13:34-a command for which the gospel of God’s grace alone gives us motivation and the resources to obey. Though there are as many dimensions and manifestations of the love of Jesus as there are grains of sand on the beaches of Destin, we are focusing on his love as it is described in 1 Cor. 13:4-8.
Love doesn’t envy. The opposite of envy is gospel-contentment and generosity. Through union with Jesus we find the resources to enjoy working for the recognition and fulfillment of others, while resting with gratitude in God’s provision for us. All we really need, today and any day, is Jesus plus what he chooses to give us.
Love doesn’t boast. Quite literally this means love doesn’t “throw its own parade.” If we’re hearing God rejoice over us with singing in the gospel as he greatly delights in us, why do we need a few handfuls of self-made confetti and a kazoo band of appreciators and admirers to draw any more attention to ourselves?
Love isn’t proud. The gospel deconstructs our arrogance and pride like nothing else. Jack Miller used to say, “The gospel is the end of our quest for a reputation, in fact a reputation is simply too big of a burden for a child of God to shoulder.” Let’s fix our gaze today on the One who made himself of no reputation that in Him we might be declared righteous, beloved and His. Need a final image? The Greek word for proud means “puffed up”. Google a picture of a “puffer fish” and set it as your screen saver today and thank God all day long that in Jesus you are being “de-puffed” that you might be more filled with the beauty and sweetness of Jesus.