Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

This character of God’s love does not act unbecomingly, lacking in decorum. There is a behavioural appropriateness that fits the character of the redeemed man. There is an etiquette that is consistent with the Christian life. It is not ill-mannered, rude or causes shame but is courteous. Neither is it indecent or disorderly but is full of propriety, politeness, orderliness and moderation. This emanates from a holy reverence toward God and results in consideration towards others. It gives others due honour. And there is a consistency in the demonstration of such character trait in this godly man.

This is a man who realises that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). He is desperately aware that the garment of his redemption is not his own. It was graciously given to him by the sacrifice of his Saviour on the cross at Calvary. He knows that it is by the mercy of God that he is not consumed. He knows daily that he transgresses God’s commandment and is in need of daily repentance and cleansing and renewal.

To be puffed up is to be filled with pride and self-conceit, a haughty spirit, lacking in humility and graciousness. It describes an inflated ego and a superiority complex. It is a prideful contempt of others and an air of self-importance that puts down others to elevate oneself. The character of God’s love is without such self-exaltation or arrogance. In fact, lowliness rather characterizes God’s love. Charity is not puffed up. The Bible tells us that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

The love of God that is mightily outpoured by the Holy Spirit upon every penitent sinner results in the sinner being forgiven of his sins (Romans 5:5). This brokenness of spirit and contrition of heart is acceptable in the sight of God. The sinner realizes that he cannot save himself and therefore yields fully by faith to the complete atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross for the remission of his sins. This submission removes the guilt of sin in the heart. This freedom from the bondage of sin and its mental torment is true freedom. It gives true peace (Romans 5:1) and true joy (Romans 5:11).

“Charity vaunteth not itself” describes this aspect of God’s love that is void of haughtiness, void of any inkling of pride and boastfulness. “To vaunt” is “to boast”, “to make a vain display of one’s own worth”. Such boasting is vain and empty. The heart that is at peace with God does not need to elevate itself. The godly man that possesses God’s love has not the rebellious streak in the heart to elevate himself against his God, manifested by the need to elevate oneself over other men. This sin of pride began not on earth but in heaven when the most beautiful of God’s angel fell as a result of pride.

Indeed, charity envies not. There is that constant overcoming of the corrupt emotional make-up of the depraved heart that is taught here. You may ask, “How can such love be cultivated?” Biblical love is an active emotion that God gives to His children. We are to seek God’s help in godly repentance every time we realise even an inkling of evil arises in the heart when we see the prosperity of others. We are to cultivate that heightened awareness of this sin in our hearts and ask God to nip the evil in the bud and not allow the hatred to fester. We are to realise that we are special in God’s sight and God has a special plan for our life that is unique and beautiful.