Daily Devotional
Love Isn’t Rude or Crude
February 16, 2024
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.”
Think
When it comes to grabbing attention, shock value might reign supreme on social media, but God's love operates on a different wavelength. It doesn't stoop to inappropriate or tasteless behavior, but embodies courtesy and respect in every interaction. Love prompts us to act in fitting and honorable ways, guiding us away from unbecoming or disrespectful actions.
In our daily lives, we often encounter situations that test our ability to demonstrate true love. Despite our best intentions, we sometimes fall short of expressing God’s love as we should. Yet, within every moment, there is an opportunity to choose the best path that aligns with the principle of divine love. It's not merely about achieving the end goal; it's about ensuring that every step is marked by love and grace.
Love is anything but tactless; it knows when to speak and when to stay silent, always choosing the most loving approach. It doesn't justify harsh or insensitive actions under the guise of “speaking the truth.” Instead, it navigates each interaction with grace and thoughtfulness, ensuring that the means reflect the same love as the end goal.
In our pursuit of expressing God's love, let’s strive to embody its essence in every word we speak and every action we take. May we be guided by his love in all our interactions, choosing paths that are not only righteous but also marked by kindness, grace, and respect, staying away from the crude, rude, and lewd.
Apply
Pay attention to your words today. Connect this practice with the idea that love is not tactless, and it speaks the proper thing at the proper time, and always with love.
Pray
Lord, thank you for your enduring love that took your Son to Calvary to die for my sins. Give me strength and stir a passion for others as I interact with the people around me. I ask for your guidance to transform my mind and actions to reflect you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.