January 10

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. — 1 Cor 13:5 BSB

In traditional Hindu dress, a woman’s robe is fastened entirely by a single knot. The long strip of cloth is wrapped around her, falling in graceful folds, and held together by that one knot. If the knot comes undone, the whole robe falls apart.

In the spiritual life, our habits of grace are like garments, and the garment of love—the beautiful clothing of a child of God—is held together by similar little knots.

If you carefully read 1 Corinthians 13, you’ll see that most of the qualities of love are expressed in what it doesn’t do. Love does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs. There are many "nots" that hold our spiritual clothing in place.

These "nots" explain why many Christians fail or walk around spiritually naked, exposed to shame. Let’s pay attention to these little "nots" that keep our spiritual wardrobe secure.