EP. 244 Love That Lasts: Why Truth Matters More Than Feelings
- timscott
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
To View the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2WM0xoGltHA
SHOW NOTES
We’re continuing our series, The Original Language of Love, by diving into another powerful truth from 1 Corinthians 13. This week, we’re focusing on what it means that “love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”
A Quick Recap on Biblical Love
In previous episodes, we explored the four Greek words for love and what love is not:
Éros (ἔρως) – Romantic, passionate love
Storgē (στοργή) – Familial, protective love
Philía (φιλία) – Brotherly, deep friendship love
Agápē (ἀγάπη) – Unconditional, sacrificial, divine love
True love is patient and kind—it doesn’t envy, boast, insist on its own way, or keep a record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). But what does it mean that love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth?
Love Does Not Delight in Wrongdoing
In the original Greek, the phrase “does not rejoice at wrongdoing” literally means love has no joy upon unrighteousness. This means that genuine, godly love does not take pleasure in sin, corruption, or the downfall of others.
Have you ever felt a sense of satisfaction when someone who wronged you finally got what was coming to them? That feeling is not from love. Love does not gloat when others fail. Instead, love is grieved by sin and its consequences.
Jesus demonstrated this when He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41) and prayed for the forgiveness of those crucifying Him (Luke 23:34). Even in the face of injustice, He did not take joy in the downfall of His enemies. Love mourns sin, rather than celebrating it.
Love Rejoices with the Truth
Love finds joy in what is true, good, and righteous. But in today’s world, truth has become subjective. Many believe in “your truth” and “my truth”, but the reality is that truth is not a matter of personal perception. Truth is absolute, and it is found in Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
Psalm 119:160 – “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever.”
Love does not ignore or enable sin in the name of keeping peace. Real love shines light on truth and gently calls others to righteousness. Sometimes, love means having difficult conversations and confronting sin—not with arrogance, but with grace and a heart that seeks restoration.
Here are some heart-check questions to reflect on:
Do I find joy in someone else’s failure?
When someone who has wronged me stumbles, do I feel satisfaction or sorrow?
Am I overly critical of others?
Do I quickly judge others instead of seeking to understand and love them?
Do I remain silent in the face of wrongdoing?
Am I afraid to speak truth in love, even when it's necessary?
Do I let truth shape my life and my relationships?
Is my love rooted in the truth of God’s Word, or am I influenced by the world’s definition of love?
True love, God’s love, does not ignore sin or take pleasure in the downfall of others. Instead, it rejoices in truth, seeks righteousness, and reflects Christ’s selfless, sacrificial love.
Join Us for the Next Episode!
We’re not done yet! Stay tuned as we continue exploring what real, biblical love looks like and how it transforms our hearts and relationships. Don't miss next week’s episode!
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