1 Corinthians 13:5, Charity Doth Not Behave Itself Unseemly

1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly …

This character of God’s love does not act unbecomingly, lacking in decorum. There is a behavioural appropriateness that fits the character of the redeemed man. There is an etiquette that is consistent with the Christian life. It is not ill-mannered, rude or causes shame but is courteous. Neither is it indecent or disorderly but is full of propriety, politeness, orderliness and moderation. This emanates from a holy reverence toward God and results in consideration towards others. It gives others due honour. And there is a consistency in the demonstration of such character trait in this godly man.

This phrase is used only on one other occasion in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 7:36 to describe a man who has caused disgrace toward a lady, in that her reputation was called to question due to his association with her, perhaps he was constraining her in some way to be married. This man is said to “behaved himself uncomely” toward this lady and instructed to marry her since she still remains unmarried after some intervening years.

There is the example in the Corinthian Church such as the abuse of the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11 where members came to church for a feast, eating and drinking, in an unruly manner were admonished by the Apostle Paul to have reverence for the Lord’s Table, refrained from thinking that it is a party time. Rather it is a solemn occasion of self-examination before partaking of the bread and the cup to remember the Lord’s death. Amen.