Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth....1 Corinthians 13: 6 (NIV)

I Corinthians 13 is a popular chapter, referred to us the Love chapter, and is frequently read at weddings.  I have thought of it as revealing what Love looks like, but verse 6 makes me stop and get a real glimpse of what Love does not look like...

1 Corinthians 13: 6
                      (NIV):     Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
              (NRSV):   It does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.

Chapter 13 opens telling us that without Love, we are nothing more than noisy gongs or clanging cymbals (vs. 1) and if we are truly to be followers of Christ, Love must be the ingredient that binds us with Him and is the evidence of that relationship.

As I read verse 6, it hit me that I do delight in evil and rejoice in wrong doing every time I participate in rumor, slander, or just seek to listen to those who agree with me in conflicts or political views.  While I watch TV, I am steered toward news reports that announce crimes, wrongdoings of others, sensational events of how evil people can be.  The TV stations don't get my attention by showing goodness, they get my attention by advertising evil, and I look forward to hearing all about it. 

If I am really honest with myself, I do delight in the downfall or exposure of evil and wrongdoings of people I disagree with.  With that truthful confession I must acknowledge that I do not have the Love of Christ within me, because His Love is not measured in increments...it either exists in its purity or does not.

I will take my encouragement from the last words of verse 6...I will rejoice in truth.  The truth in all situations is that God is in control and His love will defeat evil.  His righteousness overcomes all the wrong that we are exposed to throughout the day, so I will seek and hang on to His promises and grace.  I choose to focus on Jesus and let Him be my delight and not the evil which the world is trying to lure me with.