The Fruit of the Spirit 13 (Love is not boastful)

 Love, in its purest form, does not parade itself, boasting not of its virtues nor puffing itself up with pride. It is a gentle force that suffers long and extends kindness without seeking recognition. As we explore the depths of love, we encounter another beautiful facet: love does not boast or take pride in itself.
 
To boast is to don a cloak of self-importance and showcase our accomplishments with flamboyance. It is the language spoken by pride, an outward expression of a heart consumed by arrogance.
 
But let me now unveil the extraordinary life of Jesus—a life that exemplifies true love without a trace of pride or arrogance. If we grasp the profound revelation of His example, we can walk in love, emanating a humble and gracious spirit.
 
In Philippians 2:5-8, we find a powerful appeal to adopt the mindset of Christ. Through His mindset, we can embody the selfless love of God and illuminate the lives of those around us.
 
So, what exactly is this Christ-like mindset revealed in Philippians 2:5-8?
 
At its core, this passage encapsulates the incredible truth that Jesus willingly emptied Himself of His divine attributes, relinquishing His status as God to forge an unbreakable bond with His disciples. Even as He walked the earth in human form, He remained God, for God's essence is unchanging, unaffected by earthly circumstances.
 
You may ponder, how can He be both God and yet not operate solely as God, but as a man? The answer lies in recognizing God's sovereignty, His right to reveal Himself in ways that best suit the situation. In the tapestry of the Old Testament, He revealed Himself through fire, thunder, and wonders. But in the grand tapestry of our lives, He chose to reveal Himself as a man—a tangible expression of His love and justification for humanity.
 
In His humble incarnation, Jesus deliberately refrained from using His divine capabilities by Himself. Instead, He desired to be our great High Priest, intimately acquainted with our weaknesses, so that He could extend His mercy and grace to us.
 
It is essential to grasp that every miracle Jesus performed was executed as a man, in perfect harmony with His Father. There was no barrier separating Him from the Father. His actions were devoid of pride or arrogance. When the devil tempted Him to stray from depending on His Father, He rebuked the adversary, secure in His Father's unwavering love.
 
Indeed, Jesus declared, "Whatever the Father does, He also does." His earthly sojourn did not diminish His divine nature; rather, it showcased the harmonious unity between the Father and the Son. Every word and every act was birthed from a profound dependence on the Father—a profound illustration of the blessings that flow from true reliance.
 
Pause for a moment and consider this: What possessions do we flaunt to belittle our neighbors? How often do we seek to undermine others' security by showcasing our achievements? Is this truly the mindset we wish to embrace? Let us compare our meager possessions to the majesty of being God and ask ourselves, what are we not willing to surrender for the sake of our brother's happiness and well-being?
 
May we fully comprehend the depth of sacrifice Jesus made by humbling Himself. Throughout eternity, the profound sacrifice of renouncing to use His divine privileges and enduring the agonizing death on the cross will continue to be unveiled, revealing the unfathomable love that propels us to walk in humility and grace.

Written by:

Peter Ayoola Fakeye (PAF)