Love Does Not Seek Its Own

Love Does Not Seek Its Own

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul writes about love—the love that is greater than anything else and that sustains life and ministry in the kingdom of God. At the same time, he reminds us that, as human beings, we have received different gifts. Some have been given wisdom, others faith, some the ability to help, others to teach. These gifts are good. They are given by God so that we can serve one another and serve in the church. But all these gifts will come to an end, and they can be regarded as the scaffolding, but love never fails. What matters in the end is the richness I have gained in my spirit!

Paul points out something very important: Love never fails. It does not seek its own! It bears all things, hopes all things, does not envy, is not provoked, thinks no evil and rejoices in the truth. It teaches me that it is not about looking out for myself, not about comparing myself with others, but about living in thankfulness for what I have been given and in joy over what God has given to others. I can be confident in what God has entrusted me with, and serve faithfully with it. True love completely changes the way you see other people. Previously, I could blame it on the fact that if this or that changed, things would be better for me. Now, by practicing true love, I can be transformed in my inner being and get a whole new perspective. Previously, I was dependent on pleasing other people but now I can serve God and come to full freedom. This is true freedom. When that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part is done away with.

The opposite is that I seek my own. Then problems arise in relation to the gifts and ministries that God has given to others and what I think about myself. I can’t stand the others, I am envious, and I compare myself to others so that I can be someone important. All this is from the evil one and will never build the body of Christ.

Paul says: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Cor. 13:1. I can have the most impressive abilities, but without love, they will be empty and without any lasting impact.

“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:14-15.

Paul exhorts me to remain in love, since the essence and nature of love compels me not to live for myself, but for Him who died and rose again. There is no room here to seek your own interests. Such a ministry will be a blessing to the church and will help to build a defense against all unrest and division.