The Fruit of the Spirit 16 (Love does not seek its own)

In our exploration of the fruit of the Spirit, we turn our attention to the profound concept of love, viewed from the perspective of God. Often, our understanding of love falls short of its true essence, but God, being the personification of love, holds the perfect definition. Love originates from Him and flows through us as we draw near to Him.

Referring to 1 Corinthians 13:5, we come across the aspect of love that declares, "Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil."

Today, our focus lies on the phrase, "Love does not seek its own," aptly expressed as "love does not selfishly seek its own" in TPT.

What does this mean? It conveys that divine love transcends self-centeredness, where personal happiness is not pursued at the expense of others. A heart motivated by God's love considers the needs and well-being of others, above its desires.

However, it is important to understand that "not seeking your own" does not imply neglecting our responsibilities or personal interests. The Bible does not endorse such an approach. Rather, it emphasizes that Christ must hold preeminence in every aspect of our lives. When we allow Him to be at the center of our thoughts, actions, and aspirations, we prioritize His kingdom above all else.

As followers of Christ, we must recognize that our lives are not about placing ourselves at the center, but rather about exalting Christ in everything we do. Christ-centered love elevates others, whereas self-centeredness tends to obscure their needs and diminish their importance.

A life marked by divine love is evident in its selflessness, exemplified by the Lord Jesus Christ. Though eternally God, He willingly assumed human form to fully identify with humanity. In a remarkable display of selflessness, Jesus embraced unimaginable pain on the cross, yet never sought relief for Himself. Instead, He prayed for His enemies, expressing concern for those around Him, and even offering emotional support to His mother.

This extraordinary demonstration of selfless love serves as a profound model for us to follow. As we immerse ourselves in the love of Christ, our hearts will overflow with compassion for others, and we will naturally extend a helping hand to those in need.

Selfishness, on the other hand, inhibits us from acknowledging the needs of others, causing us to prioritize our desires above theirs. When we focus solely on our interests and neglect the concerns of others, we lose sight of the essence of divine love.

We must examine our hearts and actions, ensuring that Christ takes precedence in our lives. Embracing the path of selflessness empowers us to impact the lives of others genuinely and leaves a lasting impression on them.

Allow the Holy Spirit to inspire your heart with Christ’s Love, so that you love others unselfishly, and prioritize their well-being. As we seek God's kingdom first and foremost, He will align our desires with His divine will, placing Christ at the core of our being.

The Holy Spirit beckons us to embrace the more excellent way - the way of divine love. When we surrender our self-interests and let Christ be at the center, His love will flow through us, touching lives and transforming hearts.

The cross of Christ stands as a testimony to His incredible love for us. He bore unimaginable suffering and endured the weight of sin, all out of love for humanity. Having conquered death on the Cross, He offered us the promise of eternal life when He rose from the grave.

Let us reject the allure of self-seeking and embrace the selflessness embodied by Christ. As we love others genuinely and selflessly, we reflect Christ's love, impacting lives, and magnifying God's glory through His divine love within us.