LOVE DOES NOT BOAST

The fourth in our series on Biblical love ... 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

In the original Greek, the word 'boast' means to brag (arrogantly draw attention to oneself). In contrast to the attributes of kindness and patience listed at the beginning of the verse, boasting is considered incompatible with Biblical love. 

C. S. Lewis - It is the epitome of pride, which is the root sin of all sins. Boasting puts ourselves first. Everyone else, including God, must therefore be of less importance to us. It is impossible to build ourselves up without putting others down. 

A braggart is too occupied with self-aggrandizement to notice, or care about, someone else's life. Genuine Christianity always focuses on the well-being of others. Biblical love never seeks recognition. 

Scripture admonishes ... If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:25-26)

When we allow sanctification to transform our lives, the humility found in the Son of God will be in us ... Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. (Philippians 2:4-6)

There is no arrogance in Biblical love. 

If you must boast, be like Paul ... Far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Galatians 6:14)