LOVE’S BEHAVIOUR: NOT RUDE

It does not dishonour others… – 1 Corinthians 13:5a (NIV)
Love is not ill-mannered…– 1 Corinthians 13:5a (GNB)

Christians often erroneously assume that behaviour is peripheral to our faith, that our Christianity is essentially an inward reality, irrespective of the outward reflection. Faith in Christ is undoubtedly an inward reality, but there must be an outward expression; just as fruits provide evidence of roots!

BEHAVIOUR is central to LOVE. Although the definitions of “rude” vary from culture to culture, and from time to time, but at the core is a disregard for the social customs that others have adopted. When one does not concern himself with the views, likes and dislikes of others, he shows disrespect for them. The exceptions are in cases where human opinions or preferences contradict God’s Will and commandments. In general, proper regard and sensitivity to others’ feelings indicates love for them.

Love is decorous. Love is not rude. Love is not unruly. Love does not behave rudely. Love does not act unbecomingly. Love is not ill-mannered or offensive in attitude or action. Rude or unbecoming behaviour would often oddly attract the notice of other people. On the other hand, rather than drawing attention to us, true love is concerned about the need of others.

Think about it: We all seem to have a natural tendency to be rude; and it is so easy to be rude especially to the ones we claim to love. How can we explain that? Like every other situation where we fail to love, we simply shift our focus from the other person to ourselves. Rudeness typically erupts when there’s a difference between what we think we deserve and what happens to us. Remember, the command is love others as you love yourself. Rude people never stop loving themselves – they simply neglect to show the same care and concern toward others. The natural tendency is to think too much of ourselves and less of others.