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Think no evil - See no evil
There are two aspects of true love, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:5-6, that we will be examining:
(1) Love thinks no evil and,
(2) Love rejoices in the truth.
Many of us are far too quick to jump to conclusions about others based on nothing but our emotional responses or personal dislikes. What’s more, our judgement is often tainted by what we have chosen to think, rather than the real facts. So let’s see what the Bible says about this aspect of human interaction and see where we may be going wrong.
Love “thinks” no evil, is not a very accurate translation. The Greek word ‘logizomai’ literally means, “to calculate by giving a numerical account.” It implies, drawing a logistical conclusion by placing every action into a debit and credit estimation. Probably, the closest English word would be deliberate. Therefore, love does not cause you to think upon a matter (or a person) by way of any calculation that produces an evil conclusion. Quite simply, you should not reason things out (in your mind) so that you can give an evil account. Furthermore you should not keep an account of wrongs done to you, so as to justify your bad reasoning’s and calculations. Instead, you should erase all resentment and let go of every hurt.
To get the full meaning this scripture we should also understand what “evil” stands for in the context of love. Firstly, it has nothing to do with the devil, but rather, the negative effect or influence that your thoughts may have. Therefore, anything that is not beneficial, useful or good in character may be considered evil. Love thinks no evil; it never accommodates any negative influences.
Does this ring a bell? Do you find yourself deliberating until you get the desired negative effect? The apostle Paul refers to this bad attitude in Romans 14:14, under the subheading the Law of Love – “I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers* (reckons) anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” The very same Greek word is used here *. In like manner, there is nothing of any benefit in itself; but to him or her who has come to a logistical conclusion that something is of no benefit, to him / her it has a negative effect or influence.
If you desire to walk in love, the all-powerful God-kind of love identified in 1 Corinthians 13, then it’s up to you to hold every negative thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Only you can reason things out in such a way as to see good character, true benefits, and positive effect or influence in all things. So make up your mind right now that you will cease to deliberate on various matters of life (and other people) unless your deliberations lead you into a positive view or estimation.
Let’s now move on to the next aspect of love mentioned, “Love rejoices in the truth.” The truth is what love chooses to rejoice in, and nothing else! It does not rejoice in half-truth, here-say, opinions or rumours. It is not happy every time it hears a negative or bad report about another person. It doesn’t get excited at what is false, fictitious or hidden. Love does not rejoice in iniquity - finding satisfaction in the shortcomings of others, and spreading an evil report.
Love only rejoices in reality, sincerity, accuracy, integrity, truthfulness, dependability and decency. Love is drawn to honesty and transparency. It aggressively advertises that which is good and beneficial to all. It is fully committed to establishing truth in the context of God’s grace. That is, no person is worthy of receiving anything from God except through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rejoicing in the truth is rejoicing in God! Jesus said, “I am the truth.” Every time you rejoice in the truth you invite Jesus onto the scene. The truth and Jesus are present to ensure that love never every fails you. |
Chris Demetriou, 10/02/2008 |
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