“[Love] does not act unbecomingly” (1 Corinthians 13:5a)
Though not as poetic sounding, I’m fond of the more straightforward translation of this verse… love is not rude.
Love has a way of making the world a more beautiful place, and rudeness does the opposite. Rudeness is behavior that we don’t necessarily see as sinful, but it is behavior that is offputting for no good reason. Talking over others and failing to listen is rude. Forgetting to say thank you or please is rude. Not returning your grocery cart is rude.
When we leave others to clean up a mess alone or stare at our phones in the middle of in-person conversations, we forget the importance of acting in a becoming way. There are enough inconsiderate people in the world – let us be those who remove the rude and replace it with love.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision