Love in small things heals

Following the passages of I Corinthians 15 on love, we now consider love expressed in small ways -- in Paul's language, "Love does not behave itself unseemly."

Henry Drummond, whose small book we have recommended, The Greatest Thing in the World, explains this as the "fifth ingredient" of love, and defines it "courtesy" (8). He elaborates, "This is love in society, love in relation to etiquette. ... Politeness has been defined as love in trifles. Courtesy is said to be love in little things. And the one secret of politeness is to love. Love cannot behave itself unseemly" (8). This is an interesting word choice, "unseemly." What does it mean exactly?

Dictionary-reference.com defines it as "not in keeping with established standards of taste and proper form; unbecoming or indecorous in appearance, speech, conduct, etc.; an unseemly act; unseemly behavior." Additionally, unseemly means "inappropriate for time or place."

It has been said that if you love, if you love God, if you love your fellow man, you will automatically keep all the Commandments. The same is true for deporting yourself harmoniously in any situation, with anyone, in any culture, in any circumstance. When consciousness glows with even a small pinpoint of love -- in the way of compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, gentleness -- words and actions will be at least polite. Oppositely, the unseemliness of words and actions fueled by anger, self-righteousness, cold indifference, fear, and so forth, leads to discord and strife, and to scenes that may later cause remorse, embarrassment, and require a good deal of forgiveness.

The love that does not "behave itself unseemly" is not personal love which could switch to animosity be tainted or lost. The real love is God's love, the Love that is the one I AM. It is the nature of the Infinite. Know that since "man" is the "image and likeness" of God (Gen. 1:26), you reflect and include in your eternal identity, this perfect Love that is all Light and never feels less than absolute peace and lovingkindness. Nothing is lost in a mirror -- it shows everything that is before it. Just so, you include the fullness of God's Love right now and always. Holding to this fact about yourself, you will feel it and express it more and more. It will take over for you in situations that are uncomfortable or fearful. It will protect you and govern your words and actions.

To nurture this outcome, be sure to take at least five minutes to prayerfully meditate on this truth about yourself reflecting the perfect Love that is God. Do this each day at least one time -- more is better -- you cannot do it too much! When one does not behave unseemly, this additionally acts as a mental medicine that permeates the body "searching the joints and marrow" so that health shows forth more tangibly (Hebrews 4:12). No part of body can act in an unseemly manner when Love brings its healing presence to every cell and fibre. Prayerfully meditate on Love as Light, "in whom in no darkness at all" -- nothing unseemly at all (I John 1:5).


Drummond, Henry (2011-01-01). The Greatest Thing in the World, Experience the Enduring Power of Love (p. 8). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Empty the Envy in Favor of Love and Healing

In this mini-series on healing through Love with focus on I Corinthians 15, the following verses have already been considered -- the new addition is at the end -- "love envieth not."

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I gave my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; 

To "envy" is to "see against." Its origin contains the Latin video, to see. 

Henry Drummond's book, The Greatest Thing in the World, based on this Scripture, translates this short passage to one word, "generosity." Why? He explains that envy "is a feeling of ill will to those who are in the same line as ourselves, a spirit of covetousness and detraction;" it is a feeling of ill will to anyone who possesses or accomplishes something another wants, or wants to do better.

Drummond admonishes us to have "the grace of magnanimity." He urges that we recognize the one and only thing that truly should be envied — "the large, rich, generous soul which “envieth not” (7). Envy the one who does not envy!

Okay, so let's stop all this "seeing against" and instead see through God's eyes. Pray, "Father what do You see?" He will show you.


There is an equality, not an imbalance. God's perfect Self is expressed perfectly, Each one of His children is endowed with spiritual gifts unique to his or her identity.

The whole is the allness of the one Perfect Being, or I AM, moving and acting harmoniously to the glory of the One, our Father, God. Paul writes, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). As image and likeness (Gen. 1:26) we each include (like a mirror reflection) all the wonderful and good qualities of the one Infinite -- each in our own way. We are part of the whole. God would not be complete without  you. Therefore, envy not -- there is not one good thing that you do not already include that will manifest to His glory and your happiness and fulfillment of purpose.

See from God's eye-view and make best use of all the gifts you already have. Look not at each other in a limited, personal, and faulty way, but look to God and you will become consciously and tangibly all that He is in your own uniqueness -- nothing lost and nothing withheld. You are like a mirror held up to all good. Focus on that!

The right motive is the desire to show forth Good clearly and fulfill your purpose in harmony with all the universe and glorify God. Hell means unable to see; heaven is clear spiritual vision that "envieth not," but loves generously with magnanimity. The good you see in another is good that is part of yourself, good that is God expressed, good that makes all things harmonious, healthy, and balanced. Praise God by praising good and being grateful for it as seen in each one of us.


Drummond, Henry (2011-01-01). The Greatest Thing in the World, Experience the Enduring Power of Love (p. 7). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Sacrifice with Love

In this third of a mini-blog series, we continue to analyze and apply Paul's explanation of Love in conjunction with healing (emotionally, physically, financially, in all ways). You are encouraged to get Henry Drummond's short writing, The Greatest Thing in the World, paperback or Kindle, from Amazon.

Today's passage from I Corinthians 15: "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I gave my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing."

Drummond notes that you "can take nothing greater" than love with you wherever you go, and you "need take nothing less." Basically, even if you make the ultimate sacrifice of your own life, if you did it without love, there would be no profit, no real benefit, for you or anyone else. Imagine Jesus at crucifixion if he did not maintain his incredible love. He expressed love and compassion through his statement of forgiveness as they nailed him to the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." He was teaching the eternal, universal lesson of Life and of Love, and maintaining his God-given purpose to save. Nothing less that the greatest love could accompany Jesus' supreme sacrifice, and nothing less could have brought resurrection or ascension.

So whatever sacrifice you may have the opportunity to make today, do it with love, not out of obligation or fear. There are many kinds of sacrifices that we can make each day, ones that will benefit ourselves and others -- but only if permeated with love -- tenderness, compassion, forgiveness. You might sacrifice an hour of your time for some good purpose -- to care for someone that needs help or encouragement, or to work an hour for a colleague with a need. You might sacrifice that sarcastic remark, that judgmental attitude,  or a coldness toward someone or something. Warm yourself with tender Love and be moved with compassion. There are many ways and opportunities to "lay down your life for your friends" as Jesus instructed, but all must be done with love to be of any use.

Drummond writes, "You may take every accomplishment; you may be braced for every sacrifice; but if you give your body to be burned, and have not love, it will profit you and the cause of Christ nothing." So take love with you today and you need nothing less.

Drummond, Henry (2011-01-01). The Greatest Thing in the World, Experience the Enduring Power of Love (p. 4). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.