Be Loving, Not ‘Cool’
Since a person who loves is able to overlook another’s faults (1 Cor 13:7, Weymouth), love will enable us to avoid being hard on others (Eph 4:2, NLV). Instead of being harsh (1 Cor 13:4, Wuest), we are tolerant (Eph 4:2, TNT), and slow to expose someone’s weaknesses (1 Cor 13:7, Moffatt). We don’t try to hurt others (1 Cor 13:5, New Evangelical Translation), and don’t ignore them (Prov 27:5, CW). All of this is contrary to the pursuit of being hip since people who try to be cool do seek their own advantage in rising on the pecking order. This is often done by harshly pulling others down through making fun of them. There are attempts to hurt others and there is a great deal of intolerance toward those outside the clique. Trying to be cool, then, is opposed to having love be our aim (1 Cor 13:5, Moffatt).
When we love, we tell the truth (Eph 4:15, CEV) but are also tenderly affectionate (Hos 11:4, TEV). Love acts appropriately and refuses to be resentful because it forgives and accepts others. Hence, it is not upset if someone has greater status.
Love is willing to believe the best about another (1 Cor 13:7, AB) unless there is clear evidence to the contrary. It gives when it can to provide for another’s genuine needs (1 Jn 3:17) and seeks to protect their rights (Rom 13:10, Worrell note). Love prompts us to pray for others (Rom 15:30, TNT). Once again, this is in opposition to attempts to be cool. Does a person who is trying to be cool help everyone be accepted by their group? Do they make it a point to pray for them diligently and protect them from unfair criticism? Love gives positive attention to others.
We need to make sure our aim is love. Whatever is contrary to love must go.
Comforting others is costly but worth it.