When Love Disintegrates

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

February, the month of love.

Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

As people milled around the exhibits at the zoo, a couple of peacocks strutted about. They dragged their multi-colored tails behind them, then stopped to impress the crowd. The tail feathers fanned out into a beautiful array of iridescent blue and green. You could say… they were proud as a peacock. Male peacocks show off their tails to win a peahen’s heart. God created the birds to show their feathers.

Can you imagine people strutting around with prideful, feathered tails? When people throw pride, envy, and selfishness into a relationship the bonds of trust are broken, abuse happens, and love disintegrates. Paul tells us in Corinthians to turn from selfishness. Instead of envy, appreciate. Instead of boasting, encourage. Instead of luxuriating in pride, be humble. Show honor, be selfless, let go of anger, and throw grudges aside. Follow Jesus example of love and put others first. He gave his life. Praise God for his love.