The Qualities of Love, Lesson 7

The Qualities of Love, Lesson 7

True Love is not selfish!

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” NKJV

Lesson #7: True Love does not seek its own (i.e.: is not selfish)

How many of you from time to time plot to get your own way?  The Greek phrase is zeteo and heautou (heh-ow-too)  Zeteo=in this context means to seek worship, to plot for control, to crave or demand control.  Heautou= for yourself.

True love does not seek, or especially plot, to get its own way.  True love does not crave or demand to be in control.  This doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy getting our way, or being in control from time to time.  Just we won’t plot to get it!  We’re open. 

This does not contradict Jesus’ 2^nd great commandment  to love your neighbor as yourself (this doesn’t mean hate yourself.)  This only means: apply your natural love of self to others.  Do not seek your own hurt but simply take care of others first, before yourself. 

Satan is the father of murder and lying.  Yet, he was not cast out of Heaven for murder, lying, stealing, or adultery.  He fell because of Selfish Ambition.  He wanted to be more than God wanted him to be.  He wanted to have more than God wanted him to have.  He was created to worship and serve, but he wanted to be worshipped and be served.  He didn’t care who he had to step on to get there.  Satan brought this same malevolent spirit to the earth with him.  When he tempted Adam and Eve, it was not with murder, lies, or adultery.  It was Selfish Ambition.  He said, “Eat this and you will become like gods.” 

This sin of Self Ambition is the most pervasive sin in the church in America.  We have Church members climbing over other Church members to get to some office or position  they want. We have Pastors climbing over other Pastors to get to some District or National office they want.  We have Missionaries climbing over other Missionaries to get a cushy assignment they want.  This is probably the least noticed, but most devastating sin in the lives of Christians today.  In fact, what lies beneath every Christian who lies, cheats, or steals, if it’s not selfish ambition or self preservation.  (Seeking their own) 

People aren’t’ getting saved because, frankly, we’re selfish.  Christian couples are unhappy…Christian churches are in disarray…Christian businesses are unsuccessful or embarrassingly competitive…because we’re selfish.  But, true Christian love doesn’t seek its own welfare, but the welfare of others (1 Cor. 10:24)