The Normal Dislike of Exclusivity and Salvation

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, the Apostle Paul shines love like light through a prism, and out comes a spectrum of fifteen colors or hues, descriptions of love. Love is fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit either controls you or He doesn’t. When He doesn’t, love doesn’t show up, and you know it, because a facet or likely facets of the portrayal in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 will not manifest themselves in your life.

One can see an unloving behavior in verse 4, Love “envieth not.” It is to say, “Love is not jealous.” People do not want to be left out. They want inclusion, not exclusion. If you get something, they should get something. If you aren’t going to get something bad, then they shouldn’t get something bad.

This carnal instinct of envy relates to hatred of the exclusivity of Christianity. Jesus said in John 14:6, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” He also said in Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” If someone doesn’t know he is saved, then he likes the idea, “No one else is or can be saved either.” Or, “No one can know he is saved.”

Whether people like it or not, because of their envy or jealousy, eternal salvation is exclusive and most people will not receive it (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). They must believe in Jesus Christ and Him alone. If they do, He will save them. Jealousy or envy will not stop the condemnation and damnation of those who don’t receive the Lord Jesus Christ. Right now, perhaps you don’t like being judged as lost. If you are, you still need to hear and acknowledge it.