I Corinthians 13:4-8a
“Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant, It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails”.
Today’s focus will be on how love is not provoked. This implies there is someone provoking. There is someone opposed to us. We may have something they want, they may be jealous of us or angry with us. They seek to provoke us. I’m not sure if they are wanting us to engage them in an argument or what.
Someone is angry with us, or hurting. They are taking extreme actions. They may seek to throw much at us to get us to engage.
The one who loves doesn’t take the bait. They have to keep cool. It helps to see the motive. What’s causing them to do this. This is tough. They may be throwing all sorts of attacks our way.
We can try to talk to them. However, the last thing a fool wants to do is talk. Proverbs 9:8 says, “Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.”
The larger point behind this verse is that we aren’t doing the provoking. We all get upset or angry. However to provoke doesn’t help. We can attempt to talk to the one we are upset with, but depending on the person, that may or may not be possible. The best thing may be to put distance between us and the person.
Jesus tells us to love others. This is His power. It’s tough to love those who hurt us. Jesus had to deal with some difficult people. While He loved all, look at how He treated the pharisees. He was defending Himself and His message. They weren’t interested in either. His comments were “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”, (Luke 23:34).
I had a tenant who was mean and demanding. After two years of attempting to deal with them I had to get a property manager. My stress was through the roof.
Lord, help us when we are dealing with difficult people. Help us not to provoke.