Love Does Not Boast
The title of this article is taken from the fourth verse of the chapter of I Corinthians, and we are continuing the study of statements made about love.
The Greek word that is translated “boast” is perpereuomai, which means, I boast or I vaunt myself. The root from which it is taken from describes a braggart or vainglorious person: a person who has excessive elation or pride over his or her own achievements1. The focus of such a person would be inward, rather than outward. Love, on the other hand, is by definition outwardly focused.
When we carry out acts of kindness for another person, these acts may be motivated by love, but they may also be motivated by a desire to gain recognition. If we find ourselves frustrated by a failure on someone’s part to thank us for something that we have done, our frustration may be a sign that our motives weren’t entirely based on love for the other person. In such a situation, it is very tempting to point out our deeds and the “love” that motivated them.
This is not to say that we can never speak to another person about what we have done for them. The problem comes when we are vainglorious, and the self-satisfaction we have is out of proportion to what we have done. Let’s remember that when we love, we are doing so in obedience to the commands of God, and because of this, it is God that will recognize our obedience, and reward us as He sees fit, and in the time that He sees fit.
As this study continues, I’ve been repeating the statement that these qualities of love aren’t qualities that love tries to exhibit. As with the other points that have been covered, love does not boast. If we recognize that our words or actions are designed to elicit a compliment or praise from someone, it should be seen as evidence that these words or actions have not been motivated by love. Boastfulness shows up in the heart before it is seen outwardly. If we search our hearts with God’s help on a regular basis, He will make us aware of any such boastfulness. In the times that these things occur, let us remember that boastfulness is a symptom of a more fundamental problem, namely that we are lacking a facet of love.
Our hearts are the source of our thoughts, words and actions, so none of these things will show love if the love is not in our hearts. On the other hand, we can do right things simply because we know them to be right, while asking at the same time that God will change our hearts.
May the Source of love fill our hearts with love that spills out onto those around us. When this happens, it will be clear to us and to them that the love they receive is actually the love of God expressed through us. It will match His in every quality, and it will be limitless. As a result, we will love without feeling like we have been sucked dry. Instead, we will be sharers of live.
Next week we look at the phrase, “Love is not puffed up”. Until then, I pray for the work of God in my own heart, and in the hearts of any who read these words. May God bless you.
1HelpsTM Word-studies copyright © 1987, 2011 by Helps Ministries, Inc.
