TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
3 John 1-14

“Charity doth not behave
itself unseemly.”

WHAT IS LOVE? (V)

“Charity doth not behave itself unseemly.” The term “unseemly” has the idea of conducting oneself in contradiction with social and moral standards to the point of invoking embarrassment and shame. Such an one is rude, crude and belligerent, and does not care for the feelings of others.

The Corinthian church was full of examples of such unseemly behaviour. First, there was the conduct of the rich at the love feasts, who forbade the poor to eat together with them. Second, the worship services were conducted in a haphazard manner where everyone could say whatever came to mind. The cacophonic nature of the worship services was so off-putting that others wondered whether they were in the house of God.

Then there was the example of Diotrephes who, in his desire for preeminence, did not receive the Apostle John and his fellow labourers, choosing instead to prat against them with malicious words and cast them out of the church (3 John 9-10). This is hatred and not love, as evidenced by his unseemly conduct

The conduct of Diotrephes stands in contrast with the well-respected Gaius. Gaius’ genuine love for the saints led him to be most hospitable to strangers, including John and his co-labourers who visited the church. In application, how do young people conduct themselves before brethren who are more senior to them? Are they rude and uncouth, or are they courteous and respectful? Your conduct matters!

THOUGHT: Am I gracious and polite in my conduct?
PRAYER: Father, help my conduct to be worthy of Christ’s gospel.