Charity, Part V: Thinketh No Evil (1 Corinthians 13:5)
2023-01-01
Charity...
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (1 Corinthians 13:5)
Charity is always others focused and never has an inward motive or manipulative way. It does not “behave itself unseemly.” The word is used elsewhere as between a man who is betrothed to a woman (1 Corinthians 7:36). Charity is not inappropriate or indecent. Many try to excuse being lewd in the name of love, but this verse tells us the contrary.
Charity does not seek its own. By implication, it seeks others; it is others focused. Think of Jesus, who did not come from heaven for His own personal desire, but rather to please the Father and save sinners.
Charity is not easily provoked. It is not easily irritated or angered. It is not merely avoidance of outward irritation or anger. Charity should be the state of our inward most heart, for it also “thinketh no evil.” However, notice the word “easily.” There is a time for anger, as even the Lord gets angry: “The LORD is slow to anger” (Nahum 1:3).
Since charity “thinketh no evil,” it never asks, “What can I get out of this person?” Charity is service that expects nothing in return.