Characteristics of Love #10 – Delights Not in Evil

“Love does not delight in evil…” I Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

Love does not take pleasure in the misfortunes or failures of others. It never has a “serves him right” or “I told you so” attitude. Love is never glad when others go down the wrong path.

It grieves a parent to see his child make some of the same errors that he made as a child. No matter how strongly you admonish your child, sometimes he just has to experience the lesson for himself. These are opportunities for you to demonstrate true godly love by just being there with a comforting word, not an “I told you so” word.

“Lord. . . I will lay down my life for thy sake,” Peter boasted in John 13:37; but, before the day was ended, he had denied even knowing Christ three times. In John 21:15-17, Christ lovingly reinstated Peter with the words, “Do you love me?” When Jesus reappeared to the disciples, who were fearfully assembled behind locked doors, His words were, “Peace be unto you. “(John 20:19)

The Lord always looked for the GOOD in people. He forgave the BAD. He told Peter that He would pray for him, that he would repent of his failure, and that he would return to continue in the work of the Lord.

PRAY:
“Dear Lord, You have such a loving way with words. Thank You for receiving me just as I am. Help me to grow in Your love for others. Amen.”