LOVE IS NOT BOASTFUL OR PROUD

When we come into recovery we are usually worn out and broken and we feel wretched.  However, we often remain prideful in the way we talk.  We brag about things we have done and make ourselves out to be clever in our dealings with others.  God does not want us to be boastful or proud.  He wants to transform the way we think so that we learn to behave in ways that are good and pleasing to Him.  God’s desire is that we humbly admit the exact nature of our wrongs.

Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.  (Romans 12:1-2 CEV)

Satan was boastful and proud when He tempted Eve.  He re-worded God’s instructions to make them seem more appealing to her human nature and he told her, “You will be like God.”  Satan’s own downfall was pride.  Satan entices us to his way of thinking and doing because his desire is to have control of us.  We need to be on guard against his deception. He will attempt to twist the truth and have us look back at what we have left behind and make us think we now could handle our dysfunctional lifestyle. 

You said to yourself, “I’ll climb to heaven.  I’ll set my throne over the stars of God…..I’ll climb to the top of the clouds.  I’ll take over as King of the Universe!” But you didn’t make it, did you? Instead of climbing up, you came down—Down with the underground dead, down to the abyss of the Pit.  (Isaiah 14:13-15 MSG)

God is love.  Love is not boastful or proud.  Love is humble and selfless.  Love is sacrificial in its actions towards another. As we read the following verses of scripture, how many of the characteristics listed would we say we exhibit?  It may be something to think about! 

Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.  (1 Corinthians 13:4-6 CEV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for Jesus who through His love and sacrifice covers all my sins.  Teach me how to love as You love and to live according to Your truth. Amen