What is love?
The definition of love is found only once in the Bible:“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things”(1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Let’s continue to give ourselves a biblical “love” test by looking closely at the words and phrases used to describe love.
The fifth biblical descriptor of love is “not arrogant.”
Love that is not arrogant is void of pride. It was pride that caused the devil’s rebellion. He was not satisfied with worshipping God. Instead,hewanted to be worshipped. His pride led to his corruption along with one-third of the fallen angels he took with him. It was the devil’s arrogance that resulted in the creation of hell (Matthew 25:41).
Arrogance is akin to boasting. How can we be arrogant once we realize God alone is the Provider of all things?
Humility is the antidote to arrogance. Humility is the posture of our hearts when we recognize the sovereignty of Jesus, the King of Kings. He controls all. Heisall.
How are you doing with the fifth part of God’s love test? Preoccupation with self is arrogant. Preoccupation with God is worship.
Before you answer, just remember: Humility knows from where all life and gifts come - from the Giver of life and salvation, Jesus. Arrogance focuses on self. The creature, not the Creator.
I think now you are ready to answer.
“Love is not arrogant…”