Love Is Not Rude
Some people try to label their rudeness as boldness. But being rude doesn't mean we're bold. It means we have no manners, no training, and no love. Even worldly people know the value of manners. "Excuse me." "I beg your pardon." "I apologize." "Yes, sir." "No, ma'am." "Thank you." "Please."

I've met rude Christians. They look good at church, but don't catch them in public! They figure that just because they've been saved for 20 years, they have the right to be rude. Or because they're "too busy," they don't have to be concerned about others. But we can never become so "spiritual" or so "busy" that we have the right to be rude to others. The Bible says that love is not rude or unmannerly. As Christians, we should allow the personality of the Holy Spirit to manifest in our lives. He is a gentleman.

Love Is Not Self-Seeking
Love is not selfish; however, lust is. When we just want stuff for our own selfish reasons and we don't consider others, that is not real love. Real love always gives. Everything we experience as Christians is the result of God's love for us. Jesus' crucifixion was an act of love. John 3:16 says, "But God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

God loved us so much that He gave. We cannot talk about love without talking about giving. Giving is serving. God loved the world to the point that it moved Him to give us His most precious gift - His Son. It moved Him to give something so awesome, so valuable, and it cost Him a great deal.

This sounds simple enough, yet few really comprehend it. We're comfortable with the idea of a powerful God. We can understand a God who desires to be served. But it's pretty tough to believe this Almighty God could love us so deeply that He would give so much. And when we accept His gracious gift of love, we should graciously share it with others.

Love Is Not Touchy, Fretful, or Resentful
When we are rooted and grounded in God's love and purpose in our hearts to share it with those around us, we prevent ourselves from being touchy, fretful, or resentful.

Personally, when I think of these emotions, I think of children. Sometimes my girls are touchy and fretful. They shout, ""Leave me alone!" "She touched me!" "Stop it!" Ironically, it's not only my children who act this way. Adults are guilty too. They are easily offended and say things like, "She didn't speak to me. I walked right up to her and she acted as if she didn't see me."

Many of us have a lot of growing up to do. And it's going to take the love of God to get over such petty behavior. But with consistent effort, it can be done. Don't be overly concerned about the other person's behavior. Remember, if you make one step, God will do the rest.

Love Lets Go
Love does not take account of the evil done to it; it doesn't pay attention to a suffered wrong. But most Christians pay a lot of attention to wrongs suffered. In fact, they pay years of attention to them.

Offense and wrongs suffered are the devil's way of attacking our love walk and level of faith. Dwelling on those things gives him a foothold - something he has no business having!

Remember, we don't love based on how we feel. We love others because God first loved us. And what can separate us from the love of God? Nothing!

Source: Lord, Teach Me How To Love by Creflo A. Dollar, Jr.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers