Love is Not Boastful or Proud

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13:4

The X-Men comics are the greatest example of oppression in fantasy literature. If you were born with powers like flight, laser eyes, or telekinesis, the world would fear and hate you. In one story arc, the Scarlet Witch feels that mutant oppression has gone too far and uses her powers to make mutants the majority and humans the minority. Despite mutants being in power, the world still descended into war, rebellion, and oppression.

One of the worst things humanity does is brag about whom they love. It means you separate your relationships into two groups: winners and losers. If you are a winner, then you get the best love, but if you are a loser, then you get the worst love (sometimes hate).

History is riddled with examples of prideful love. Italians were only allowed to sit next to other Italians in the lunchroom. Black people were not allowed in white bathrooms. Protestants were unable to jointly celebrate their faith with Catholics. Republicans are not allowed to think Democrats are Christian. In between those restrictions, we have a foundation of pride that declares one people group over the other. It’s in every community, no matter the creed, race, or gender.


A key sign of Christlike love is loving those around you instead of judging them as winners or losers. Jesus found people who didn’t think, look, or believe like him and made an effort to dialogue with them. Lepers received healing, pagans received counseling, Samaritans received praise.
When love is not prideful or boastful (choosing winners over losers), then Jesus is getting into the community., we have a foundation of pride that declares one people group over the other. It’s in every community no matter the creed, race, or gender.

One of the strongest signs of Christlike love is the ability to love the people God puts in front of you rather than making a list of winners and losers. Jesus found people that didn’t think, look, or believe like him and made an effort to dialogue with him. Lepers received healing, pagans received counseling, Samaritans received praise.

When love is not prideful or boasting (choosing winners over losers) than Jesus is getting into the community.

Research: Luke 10:25-37

In Jesus’ parable about the wounded traveler, what were the religious people NOT DOING?

Samaritans were considered unclean and evil to Jews, what was so shocking about the one in Jesus’ story?

Who has God placed in your path to love without prejudice?


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