I like quantifiable things. So I like lists and clear directions and black and white procedures and what have you -- it takes the confusion out of everything and relieves the condemnation, shame and guilt of not living up to expectations, because it's easy to live up to what's expected, when you know what's expected. At least, this has been my natural reasoning since childhood, which explains why I rarely got into trouble. :D
On the other hand, quantifiables limit growth (in my expanding-and-developing-opinion): they restrict you to what's set out and nothing more.
For some time, now, I've been experiencing hugely unquantifiable things in my life, and although initially I couldn't handle any of it and none of it made sense, with time, I'm slowly coming around to growing and expanding into those less-quantifiable parameters and discovering what I'm really made of, what my values really are and where I really stand.
It's quite swell. Really.
In any case, this vernacular-ish categorization of 1 Corinthians 13 (thank you, Steve), as unattainable as it may be for me, is a handy reminder of what part of being a Christian is about...
Love is very patient. It is able to endure waiting or being delayed without becoming annoyed or upset. It can persevere calmly when faced with difficulties. It’s able to tolerate difficult circumstances. It can tolerate being hurt, provoked, or annoyed, without complaint or loss of temper.
Love is kind. It has a generous and warm nature. It shows compassion. It has sympathy for the suffering of others, and it shows a desire to help them. It shows courtesy and cares about others.
Love is never jealous. It doesn’t feel suspicious about a rival’s or competitor’s influence. It doesn’t get suspicious about others in regard to a loved one. It doesn’t demand excessive loyalty.
Love is never envious. It doesn’t have the resentful or unhappy feeling of wanting someone else’s success, or good fortune, their qualities, or their possessions. It doesn’t compare with others.
Love is never boastful. It doesn’t make proud statements. It doesn’t say or write something that praises yourself. It doesn’t arrogantly refer to your possessions or your achievements.
Love is never proud. It doesn’t have feelings of superiority or a haughty attitude, believing—often unjustifiably—that you are better than others. It doesn’t have an exaggerated opinion of your own personal worth or abilities.
Love is never haughty. It doesn’t behave in a superior, condescending, or arrogant way.
Love is never selfish. It’s not concerned with your own interests, needs, and wishes, while ignoring those of others.
Love is never rude. It’s not ill-mannered. It’s not disagreeable or discourteous in manner or action.
Love does not demand its own way.
Love is not irritable or touchy. It isn’t easily annoyed or exasperated. It’s not likely to become, or to make someone else, angry or upset.
Love does not hold grudges; it doesn’t hold feelings of resentment or ill will.
Love is never glad about unfair treatment that others experience. It’s happy when the truth comes out and it solves such matters.
(#3766)
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