Love does not parade itself. It is not puffed up. When I think of parading, I think of a parade like the Thanksgiving Day parade in New York where people walk down the street showing who they are and what they have. Love doesn’t do that. It doesn’t show off. It’s not egotistical.
Let’s go back to the Olympic example. The husband wins a gold medal. He’s number one in the world. But instead of walking in humility, he becomes braggadocious. “Look at me. I’m number one. No one can touch me.” Maybe he even demeans his spouse in the process. That’s pride. That’s being puffed up. And someone might say, “Isn’t that natural? If you’re number one in the world, shouldn’t you be proud?” It probably feels natural. But the Bible says love is not puffed up.
You can accomplish something great and still walk in humility. You can be number one and still serve others. Instead of parading your status, use it to help someone else grow. And I think of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is number one. He was, is, and forever will be the Son of God. But He didn’t come to earth parading Himself. He didn’t walk around saying, “Look at me.” He asked His disciples, “Who do people say I am?” And when Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus said the Father revealed that to him. He walked in humility. He served. He healed. He taught. He loved.
So let’s leave pride behind. Let’s leave boastfulness behind. And let’s serve in the gifts God has given us. Father God, in the name of Jesus, help us not to be proud, not to be puffed up, not to be envious, but to show forth true and genuine love, the love of God in Christ Jesus. Help us, Holy Spirit, to walk out this love every single day. In Jesus’ name I pray.
God bless, Shirah Chante, Relationship Artist
PS: If you want the full prayer and complete teaching on how love behaves, listen to the entire Q&A Call, How Love Behaves, episode.
Leave a Reply