What Love Is Not

"Love is not jealous." Improper jealousy can cause us to become envious of what others have-their belongings, blessings, or abilities. Such jealousy is a selfish, destructive emotion that, left unchecked, can disrupt the peace of the congregation. What will help us to resist the "tendency to envy?" (James 4:5) In a word, love. This precious quality can enable us to rejoice with those who seem to have certain advantages in life that we ourselves do not have. (Romans 12:15) Love helps us not to view it as a personal affront when someone receives praise for some exceptional ability or outstanding achievement.

"Love . . . does not brag, does not get puffed up." Love restrains us from flaunting our talents or accomplishments. If we truly love our brothers, how could we constantly brag about our success in the ministry or our privileges in the congregation? Such boasting can tear others down, causing them to feel inferior in comparison. Love does not allow us to brag about what God lets us do in his service. (1 Corinthians 3:5-9) After all, love "does not get puffed up," or as The New Testament in Modern English says, it does not" cherish inflated ideas of its own importance." Love prevents us from having an elevated view of ourselves. -Romans 12:3.

"Love . . . does not behave indecently." A person who behaves indecently acts in an unseemly or offensive manner. Such a course is unloving, for it shows an utter disregard for the feelings and welfare of others. In contrast, there is graciousness in love that moves us to show consideration for others. Love promotes good manners, godly conduct, and respect for our fellow believers. Thus, love will not permit us to engage in "shameful conduct"-really, any behavior that would shock or offend our Christian brothers. -Ephesians 5:3, 4.

"Love . . . does not look for its own interests." The Revised Standard Version says here: "Love does not insist on its own way." A loving person does not demand that everything be done his way, as if his opinions were always correct. He does not manipulate others, using his powers of persuasion to wear down those who have a different view. such stubbornness would reveal a measure of pride, and the Bible says: "Pride is before a crash." (Proverbs 16:18) If we really love our brothers, we will respect their views, and where possible, we will show a willingness to yield. A yielding spirit is in harmony with Paul's words: "Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person." -1 Corinthians 10:24.

"Love . . . does not become provoked . . ., does not keep account of the injury." Love is not easily provoked by what others say or do. True, it is only natural to become upset when others offend us. But even if we get unjustifiably angry, love does not let us remain provoked. (Ephesians 4:26,27) We would not keep a record of hurtful words or deeds, as if writing them in a ledger so that they will not be forgotten. Instead, love moves us to imitate our loving God. As we saw in Chapter 26, Jehovah forgives when there is sound reason for doing so. When he forgives us, he forgets, that is, he does not hold those sins against us at some future time. Are we not thankful that Jehovah does not keep account of the injury?

"Love . . .does not rejoice over unrighteousness." The New English Bible here reads: "Love . . . does not gloat over other men's sins." Moffatt's translation says: "Love is never glad when others go wrong." Love finds no pleasure in unrighteousness, so we do not wink at immorality of any kind. How do we react if a fellow believer is ensnared by sin and fares badly as a result? Love will not let us rejoice as if to say 'Good! He deserved it!' (Proverbs 17:5) We do rejoice, however, when a brother who has erred takes positive steps to recover from his spiritual fall.

Next time: "A Surpassing Way"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002