Love is not

“It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5
Yesterday we read what love is (patient and kind). Today we read four things that it is not.
Firstly, it is not rude. If we love people, we won’t butt into their conversations, say inappropriate things, make fun of them, or treat them like a slave.
Secondly, it is not self-seeking. Someone who is only looking out for number one is not showing love. Love doesn’t mind if someone else has the spotlight. This is important, because when it comes to God, if we love Him we will ensure that He alone receives all the glory and priase.
Thirdly, it is not easily angered. Some people are prone to flying off the handle when things don’t go their way – this is selfish, immature, and often done to create a scene: all the things that love is not. Instead, love gives people the benefit of the doubt. Note that it doesn’t say ‘Love is not angry’. Jesus did get angry (e.g. Mark 3:5), but it was never at something that was done to Him personally.
Lastly, it keeps no record of wrongs. A loving person does not think up ways to get revenge back on someone for what they did to them. Jesus doesn’t do this with us; once our sins are forgiven, they are forgotten.