Love cannot be faked for very long because it behaves in very specific ways.  Either we behave with love or we do not.  It is as simple as that.  In our last blog, we saw that love is patient and kind, and that it does not envy, nor does it boast because it is not arrogant.  Now, let us look at some more behaviors of love.  Paul said that it…

1 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)
⁵  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

Love is not rude (ver. 5a).  The Greek word here denotes indecent behavior.  It means to behave shamefully, and it can manifest itself in a variety of ways.  It refers to being unmannerly or disrespectful to others; hence, the translation “rude” (ESV).  It refers to being loud and out of control; hence, the translation  “unseemly” (KJV).  It refers to being morally indecent; hence, the translation “unbecomingly” (NASB).  Real love is void of all of these kinds of characteristics.  It behaves decently, respectfully, and under control in all situations.

Love does not seek its own.  The ESV says it does not insist on having its own way.  How many “church squabbles” would be avoided if there was more real love among brethren?  Everything does not have to be done your way, does it?  You do not have to always have your way, do you?  If so, you are lacking in the area of love.  Love realizes that the needs, wants, and even the opinions, of others, are just as good as its own (Philippians 2:1-4).

Love is not provoked.  A person who is easily provoked is usually in a foul mood because he or she is very irritable or grouchy.  It is hard to get along with people who have petulant personalities.  Love simply does not behave like that.  It is not easily offended.  It does not allow a few misspoken words to throw it into a state of rage.  Instead, it exudes happiness, joy, and contentment.  This is the kind of behavior that draws others in, rather than pushing them away.

Love thinks no evil.  This refers to harboring some kind of negative feeling in the mind.  The Greek word used by Paul here is logizomai, meaning, “to count or to take an inventory” (Strong).  What is one doing when he takes inventory of something?  He is keeping a record of it, isn’t he?  This is what love does not do—it does not keep a running tab of all the evil that is done to it.  Some in the church are almost literally keeping count of every misspoken word or mistake that others make.  That is not love.  Love forgives and forgets and starts over.  Love does not store up mistakes because that leads to resentment and causes one to be unforgiving.

How are you doing so far?  Do you have the love that God demands that you have?  Remember, you cannot fake it.  If you do not behave the way love does, there is only one conclusion you can come to—you do not love as you should.  Do something about it! 

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.