"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." (1 Cor. 13:6 NIV)
I admit, I have a problem with selfishness. Especially as a child, but I'm ashamed to say that this all-too-human tendency continues to plague me in adulthood as well. I remember one time, towards the end of a school year, it was announced that four teachers would lose their jobs. These were all four young teachers, and they were good teachers. Why was it that my first thought was to rejoice that I hadn't been among the ones who would be cut? Why did I feel "lucky" that I would be able to teach another year? Why didn't I at least feel some pity towards those teachers who would lose their jobs?
I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't even start to feel bad for those poor teachers until later in the evening. Then my happy mood changed drastically, and I repented before God of my less-than-Christ-like attitude.
The next day, I visited those teachers. I talked with them and I tried to encourage them. Other colleagues did the same, and it seemed to help those poor teachers to know that they had support amongst their colleagues. Still, why was it that my first reaction was one of joy? Why hadn't I gone to my colleagues immediately? They all had children at home. They all needed their jobs as much as I did. And besides, I considered them friends! They had needed my support the day before when the announcement was made!
I now realize the truth of 1 Cor. 13:6: "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." Sending away those poor young teachers was "evil". I would have been far better off rejoicing in truth.
How do you help your friends when bad news strikes? Do you, like I did, rejoice that it wasn't you? Or do you give them the love and support they desperately need? Think about it!
Rob Chaffart
Evil or Truth: God's Love in You, Part 13
Today's Bible Verse:
"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." (1 Cor. 13:6 NIV)
Evil or Truth: God's Love in You, Part 13
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