“[Love] doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (1 Cor. 13:5).
Love always forgives. Forgiveness is one of the offsprings of love. The Amplified Bible says it this way:
“[Love] is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].”
Galatians 5:6 talks about “faith which worketh by love.” Love forgives, so we could say faith works by forgiveness. Isn’t that what Jesus was trying to tell us in Mark 11:25? “And when ye stand praying, forgive….” Faith works by love, and love always forgives; therefore, faith works by forgiveness.
First Corinthians 13:5 goes on to say that love “seeketh not her own.” The Revised Standard Version says, “Love does not insist on its own way.” Goodspeed says, “It does not insist on its own rights.” How often have we said, “I’ve got my rights!” No, love doesn’t insist on its own rights.
Love “is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” The New English Bible says that love is “not quick to take offence.” Love keeps no score of wrongs. It never remembers the wrongs done by others. Now, flesh will say, “I remember what that old bat did to me.” But love doesn’t take any account of the evil done to it, because love always forgives.
I walk in love because my Father is love. I am not conceited or arrogant, prideful or rude. I don’t insist on my own rights or keep a score of wrongs. I am not quick to take offense, but I am quick
to forgive. My faith works because I walk in love.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
For over 40 years, Pastors Mark and Janet Brazee have traveled throughout the world sharing the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Together they've shared the powerful truths of faith and healing in more than 50 nations.
Today Mark and Janet pastor World Outreach Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they base their ongoing outreach to the world. The Brazees still travel as the Lord leads, and they are raising up a congregation who share their passion to reach Tulsa and the world.