LOVE DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL BUT REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH
1 Corinthians 13:6
Today, we will focus on the aspect of love that “does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” Delighting in evil involves taking pleasure in wrongdoing, sin, or harm towards others. It can manifest in different ways, such as gossiping or spreading rumours about others, taking pleasure in someone else’s misfortune, engaging in sinful behaviours or activities and supporting or promoting unjust or harmful causes.
Rejoicing with the truth, on the other hand involves taking pleasure in what is good, right, and just. It can manifest in different ways, such as celebrating the successes and achievements of others; supporting and promoting just and righteous causes; engaging in activities that promote spiritual growth and development and seeking truth and wisdom in all aspects of life. As Christians, we must realise the importance of pursuing truth if we are to exemplify the love of God. God is a God of truth. He is characterized by truth, faithfulness, and integrity (Psalm 31:5, Isaiah 65:16). Rejoicing in truth is essential for spiritual growth, maturity, and discernment (1 Peter 3:10, Hebrews 5:14). We must therefore seek truth. God commands us to seek truth, love truth, and walk in truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10, 1 John 3:18, 3 John 1:4).
Rejoicing in evil or the misfortune of others is pure evil, and the scriptures abhors it: Proverbs 24:17-18: “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.” Obadiah 1:12: “You should not look down on your brother in the day of his misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast so much in the day of their trouble.” Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. As followers of Christ, we are called to promote justice, righteousness, and truth in all aspects of life. May we seek to rejoice in the truth and celebrate the successes and achievements of others.
PRAYER: May we love others in a way that rejoices in the truth and promotes justice and righteousness. May we seek to celebrate the successes and achievements of others and rejoice in the truth.
