"Love Is Not Self-Seeking"

By Santa Ruiz

“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 (NIV, emphasis added)

“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”—James 3:14–16 (NIV)

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”—Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Lord, our Savior Jesus, we come before You today with grateful hearts for all You have done for us. We ask that You teach us Your ways, especially how to love each other the same way You love us. We confess, Lord, we’re often self-centered and self-seeking, looking after our own desires and not acknowledging each other’s desires. If there is any bitter jealousy or selfish ambition in our hearts, please bring conviction and repentance through the Holy Spirit into our hearts, minds, and souls. We acknowledge that these things bring disorder, and this behavior does not bring honor and glory to You. Let us receive Your wisdom and understand Your ways. Help us not to do anything out of selfishness or in trying to impress others, but instead to be humble and always think of our spouse as more important than ourselves. Let us have sacrificial spirits and humble attitudes without making any demands or seeking our own good, but instead helping my spouse do what is right and building him/her up in You, Lord. We ask all of these things in Your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.