Love Does Not Insist on Its Own Way

What is love? 

The definition of love is found only once in the Bible: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.  It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). 

Let’s continue to give ourselves a biblical “love” test by looking closely at the words and phrases used to describe love.

The seventh biblical descriptor of love is “does not insist on its own way.”

Agape love means total, unconditional, unmerited favor – it is the very opposite of love that insists on its own way.  Agape love is selfless, not selfish.  Agape love honors and edifies the beloved.  It has no regard for reciprocity.  

Love that insists on its own way seeks to be better than others.  It lusts for a selfish, singular victory and is fueled by the desire to compete and win.  When it wins, it not only feels superior but is excited to have handed a defeat to someone else.

And it won’t stop at anything to have its own way – not even the destruction of others.

How are you doing with the seventh part of God’s love test?  

Before you answer, consider this: Are you overly competitive?  Do you have to have the last word?  Do pride and arrogance blend together to fuel your desire to win?  Must you always be right? 

I think now you are ready to answer.

“Love does not insist on its own way…”