CHRISTIAN LOVE – “EVIL OF INJUSTICE” AND “TRUTH”

Christian love, that the LORD God Almighty talks about, and is the embodiment of it, is not some weak love. It is bold, strong, compassionate and courageous love. It is not born out of a whim or a feeling. It is born out of a deep conviction of righteousness, justice and equality. It is born out of our deep devotion to God, who is the epitome and the embodiment of justice, equality and righteousness.

Let us continue our meditation on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and see, what is this love, that the LORD talks about so passionately, in His Scriptures.
– “4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Let us look at verse six, and see what we can learn from this amazing agape love, that we see in God’s character and His conduct.
– “6 It does not rejoice at INJUSTICE, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail].” – Amplified Bible
– “6 Rejoices not over INJUSTICE, but rejoices in the truth;” – Lamsa Bible – Aramaic Translation
– “6 Rejoices not in EVIL, but rejoices in the truth,” – Aramaic Bible in Plain English

Love that is talked about here – the agape love – is no sentimental and emotional kind of love. It is a love, that dares to stick its neck out, and makes its stand clear, in a cultured and civilised manner. Many times it may be construed as weak and worthless; or it may be considered too risky to live such kind of a love. It is not safe because, after all said and done, we have to live in the society, that we are part of, isn’t it? How can we take such a radical stand? It leads us to live a life of isolation? Such “weak” notions are not part of agape love. Sadly, such notions seems to have a stranglehold over Christian response to injustice and evil, rather than, standing up for truth, regardless of the cost and the consequences.

LOVE REJOICES NOT IN EVIL
– “Love takes no pleasure in evil – This phrase emphasizes the moral and ethical nature of love. In the biblical context, “evil” refers to anything that is contrary to God’s nature and commandments. The Greek word for “evil” here is “adikia,” which can also mean injustice or unrighteousness. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that love is inherently good and seeks the welfare of others.” – Berean Bible Study Notes

LOVE REJOICES IN THE TRUTH
– “The contrast between evil and truth highlights the positive nature of love. The Greek word for “truth” is “aletheia,” which signifies not only factual accuracy but also sincerity and integrity. In the biblical narrative, truth is often associated with God’s character and His revelation to humanity. Jesus Christ, in John 14:6, declares Himself to be “the way, the truth, and the life,” indicating that truth is personified in Him. The rejoicing in truth suggests that love finds joy in what is genuine, honest, and aligned with God’s will. This rejoicing is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated satisfaction in seeing God’s purposes fulfilled.” – Berean Bible Study Notes

Here under are a few verses that enlighten us about the love of God, and His concern for RIGHTEOUSNESS, JUSTICE and EQUALITY, in the light of agape love.
– “24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” – Jeremiah 9:24
– “16 These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbour; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; 17 Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbour; And do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate,’ Says the LORD.” – Zechariah 8:16-17
– “14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.” – Psalm 89:14
– “9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” – Romans 12:9

Every law of the LORD in the Old Testament and the New Testament, is deeply and inalienably connect with truth, justice, fairness, equality and righteousness. Our love for God is reflected in the way we apply these foundational concepts of God’s very character, in our daily life, in relation to our neighbour. Hope we are not silly like the Pharisee, who asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbour?”
– “12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
– “8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law…10 Love does no harm to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:8,10
– “The idea that love does not delight in wrongdoing is consistent with the teachings found in other parts of Scripture…which instructs believers to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” [Romans 12:9]” – Berean Bible Study Notes

What kind of love do we possess dear brother and sister? Does it love the “Chosen Ones” and hates the “Palestinians”? Does our love has, one set of rules for our own people, and an another set of rules for the others? Is our love filled and fuelled with duplicity and double standards? How do we see the evil done by our own, in the light of truth, that the Word of God talks about? Would God be happy looking at us, and the way we conduct ourselves, in particular with the way, we deal with the “others” the “Samaritans” and the “Palestinians” of our day? Hope God finds us living a life that is filled with love, just like His. Even so the LORD help us.