Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

Charity is not selfish but is sacrificial. She does not consider her own interest to the exclusion of others. It has a considerate and sacrificial interest for the things of others. This is quite contrary to the character of the natural or fallen man that seeks only to further his own interest.

There is the other example where unruly behaviour during Worship Service that disturbed the sanctity of God’s House in 1 Corinthians 14. The Apostle Paul wrote to admonished the women folk to keep silence in churches (1 Corinthians 14:34) and instructed those who speak in a language that the congregation cannot understand to refrain from speaking for it does not edify the listeners who does not understand what is being said. He concluded with 1 Corinthians 14:40 when he said, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” The members of the Corinthian Church were asked to restrain such unruly behaviours in the House of God.

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).