Of course it does matter because regardless of what we say about love, it is the truth that defines it. If one is off on the truth, he is also off on love and vice versa. How often have we heard people say things like: "God would never do that; He is a God of love" or "I love him/her, but I just don't like him/her," or "I can forgive, but I will never forget". Love can do what flesh cannot do and that is the Truth. We often prefer to defend our fleshly conditional love than to display the TRUTH of God's LOVE. When Paul said "the greatest of these is love", he was comparing it to faith and hope - not TRUTH.
It is the TRUTH that tells us that love (God's love in us) is patient and kind; it is not touchy, fretful, or resentful. It does not rejoice in injustice or unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. It is not arrogant (inflated with pride). It is not easily provoked. It does not act unbecomingly. It is not quick tempered; does not offer insult for insult. It turns the other cheek, loves your enemies, prays for those who despitefully use and persecute, and always believes the best of the other person. Its hopes are fadeless. It bears up under anything and everything that comes. By the way, as you can tell this is a gathering of several verses for those who might strain gnats and swallow camels:) Love never fails and that's the truth. This kind of love DOES sometimes offend because it demands what only God can provide.
One more thing! The Truth is not something - it is Someone, and that Someone is LOVE. Now in the words of Dr. Laura, "Go and do the right thing" according to truth and in love.
PRAYER: Father help me to understand that everything you do, say, and think is TRUTH and every action and attitude is motivated by LOVE.
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