In the corporate world we like to generate an “Is / Is Not” list for a project. It helps us more clearly define exactly what needs to be done. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul likewise generates an Is / Is Not list for defining love.
| IS Patient Kind Rejoices in truth Protects Trusts Hopes Perseveres | IS NOT Envious Proud Dishonors others Self-seeking Easily angered Delights in evil Keeps a record of wrongs |
The tendency for us is to take this list and begin conjuring up love by trying to do the things in the “Is” list and refrain from the things in the “Is Not” list. And when we have mastered this, we can say that we have love. Nothing could be further from the truth. The list is not meant to be a checklist that we tick off as we, in our flesh, master it. (As if that were even possible.)
Rather, these lists are measuring sticks to show us what love looks like. You can tell how much love a person has by how many of these you can check off when you observe their daily lives. But it is not meant to be a project list or a “honey-do” list. Love is what happens to you when the living Jesus imparts it to you as you surrender your life to Him. We do not work hard to become loving, we simply let the power of the living Jesus instill it in us. And when he does, we will begin to see the fruit of it as defined in Paul’s “Is / Is Not” list.
Rather, these lists are measuring sticks to show us what love looks like. You can tell how much love a person has by how many of these you can check off when you observe their daily lives. But it is not meant to be a project list or a “honey-do” list. Love is what happens to you when the living Jesus imparts it to you as you surrender your life to Him. We do not work hard to become loving, we simply let the power of the living Jesus instill it in us. And when he does, we will begin to see the fruit of it as defined in Paul’s “Is / Is Not” list.
