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 eleventh biblical descriptor of love is “rejoices with the truth.”
Note the word “rejoices.” Dwell on this word for a moment. Rejoice means to celebrate. To let joy flow through you. To feel the exultation and exhilaration of triumph.
Truth is the source of rejoicing. Absolute truth permeates all of God’s created order. When we body God’s laws, and follow His truth, blessings flow our way. God’s truth serves as boundaries on our life’s road. It keeps us from going into the ditch and harming ourselves and others.
Conversely, we don’t break God’s truth. When disobeyed or ignored, it breaks us.
Love celebrates when truth wins. When good overcomes evil. When a just verdict is rendered. Think about a false verdict being overturned. A wrongful imprisonment setting a captive free.
Agape love is a truth-seeker. One who desires – above all else – to discover and obey the will of God. And when necessary, it speaks the truth in love to those around us - even if it’s hard and painful (Ephesians 4:15). When someone finally sees the truth, there is reason for rejoicing!
How are you doing with the eleventh part of God’s love test?
Before you answer, consider this: Do you love truth? Hate falsehood? Does your life reflect honest living?
I think now you are ready to answer.
“Love rejoices with the truth…”