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1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (5a)
1 Corinthians 13:5a (NKJV) states, [love] “does not behave rudely,”. To behave rudely is not the same as being mean. To behave rudely is, as defined by Merriam-Webster, “not developed: PRIMITIVE: lacking refinement or delicacy: marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill: UNSKILLED: not being in a cultural or civilized state. A couple of synonyms of being rude are clumsy or rough. Jesus was never rude but always knowing of the position of the person(s) to which He was addressing. Jesus always represented love, and the Apostle Paul has experienced the true love of Jesus in his life and he wants to relay that to those in the church at Corinth.
This is an example of what love is not.
I am a person who likes to get right to the point and address the issue. I am not someone who likes to beat around the bush, so to speak. But this Bible lesson in 1 Corinthians 13:5a has opened my mind to the rudeness that I display because of the direct approach that I take in addressing others. This has also opened my mind to the rudeness that we can display in constructive criticism. I experience this in my life – my wife often tells me that I am rough/rude. I don’t mean to be rude but to the point. But I now realize that I am being rude in my direct approach that does not take into consideration the position of those in which I am speaking. Jesus was always delicate; Jesus was always refined; Jesus was always developed. Jesus came to give us training and skill in how to present ourselves in a cultural or civilized state. But we must apply, as I need to do, His teachings in our lives as we share the gospel with others and seek to grow in our relationships with Him, our Savior and mentor for true life.
Dear LORD,
Please refine us – refine me to be a tool for You to reach others with the gospel message, that I would present myself and the words that I speak with refinement and delicacy. To behave rudely or roughly is not a representation of love – the love that You have put in my heart to share with others. Please refine me and all those who read these words. In Jesus name I pray, amen.