Love: Over-used + Under-lived
“Does Not Insist on its Own Way”
1 Corinthians 13:5

This passage and this kind of love is ground-zero for how we are to live our lives. 
It’s the “more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:31)

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Jesus said the only way the world will know you and I belong to Jesus is if we love like this. (John 13:35)

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Does self-seeking simply mean selfish? 

Love that faces outward …
1. Puts everyone’s needs before their own
2. Doesn’t “look out for number one”
3. Is focused on goodness, blessings and joy for others
4. Is always looking for ways to help others

Our sin nature

Is Paul saying that in ALL love, we should NEVER insist on our own way?
When Jesus overturned the moneychangers. (Matthew 21)
When Jesus spoke to the woman caught in adultery (John 8)
When James pronounces that Gentiles would not be required to keep the Mosaic law. (Acts 15)

Sometimes we must insist on our own way. (Galatians 2)
1. When what is being considered is clearly out of step with the truth of the gospel
2. When the welfare of believers is at stake love

Love does insist on some things:
1. Truth
2. Faithfulness
3. Goodness

Sometimes we should NOT insist on our own way. (Luke 10:30-35)

The Samaritan had every reason to insist on his own way. But he didn’t.

When interests or opinions collide:

1. Go to your Bible
- So that you can respond wisely and clearly, with grace and kindness
- Don’t make biblical absolutes out of personal convictions

2. Go to prayer
- The Holy Spirit will guide us and expose our self-seeking.
- We’re likely on the right path when we lay down our preferences, comforts, conveniences, even our  rights, for someone else’s good.

Self-denial for the good of someone else always produces joy. 

People in the Bible who insisted on their own way:
Cain, Potiphar’s wife, Pharaoh, King Saul 
 
God let them promote their own interest, and it didn’t end well.

Wouldn’t you rather be …
Abraham, who looked out for his nephew Lot
Moses, who choose to identify with the enslaved Israelites
Ruth, who took care of her mother-in-law
David, who placed Mephibosheth at his own supper table
	 
Let’s find a love that faces outward, a love that never fails.