God's Character

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1 Corinthians 13:5 It (love) is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Paul is writing to the people of Corinth about love. This is a very popular and well heard of scripture. Today, I am interested in this particular verse. God is love. God cannot be anything other than who He is. He has very distinguishable characteristics. Love is one of His characteristics that is often overlooked or glazed over by the world’s own jaded view of the word. God is not rude, self-seeking, or easily angered. He keeps no record of wrongs. This means that Jesus also was all these things. If Jesus dwells inside of me and I am to die to my flesh and allow Jesus to live through me, then I should be these things as well.

What I am realizing is that I am indeed rude, self-seeking, and easily angered. Also, I do hold grudges. However, what I need to do is not brush off these sinful flaws, but take ownership of them. For example, today I have to meet a lady who only wants to help our ministry in the area of fundraising. But, I’m already complaining to myself (and to my husband) that it won’t be worth the trip over there. I’m more concerned with how much sleep I get. Also, I’m more concerned about my gas and the wear and tear on my car. What I realize, is that I’m very selfish. I’m very rude. I never voice my rudeness to people directly, but I think of all the things I wish I had the nerve to say and boy, they sure are rude things to say! So, today, I the Lord has answered my prayer from yesterday, that I may be like Balaam’s donkey and see God’s truth. I feel ashamed of my record of denial, but I know that God is forgiving and so I need to know that God will not hold this against me if I truly repent and that gives me hope to learn and move on.

Heavenly Father, I praise You for answering my prayer. Lord, I see clearly in Your light. Please continue to reveal those things that are hidden. I repent, Lord, of all my sin. I desire to die to my flesh so that Jesus can live through me. Help me to change my thought process. Renew my heart today so that I do all things with zeal for You. I love You, Lord. I thank You for Your Son and for the changes You are making in my life each day. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior, Amen.