James 1:19-27, Love is Not Provoked

LOVE IS NOT  PROVOKED

1)   Definition:

a)   Provoked:

i)     Easily incited to anger; easily stirred up.

ii)    It does not say "love does not provoke" though that is certainly true.  But it says "love is not provoked."

b)   Matthew Henry  It tempers and restrains the passions. Ou paroxynetai—is not exasperated. It corrects a sharpness of temper, sweetens and softens the mind, so that it does not suddenly conceive, nor long continue, a vehement passion. Where the fire of love is kept in, the flames of wrath will not easily kindle, nor long keep burning. Charity will never be angry without a cause, and will endeavour to confine the passions within proper limits, that they may not exceed the measure that is just, either in degree or duration. Anger cannot rest in the bosom where love reigns. It is hard to be angry with those we love, but very easy to drop our resentments and be reconciled.

c)   Right use:

i)     Acts 17:16:  

ii)    Heb. 10:24:

d)   Wrong use:

i)     Proverbs 29:11:

ii)    Matt. 5:21-22:

2)   Illustrations:

a)   Negative:

i)     1 Samuel 25:32-34,                (dealing w/husband of Abigail)

ii)    Numbers 20:10-12:                 (when he struck the rock; READ)

iii)  Acts 15:39:            &                 (their dispute over John Mark)

b)   Positive:

i)     Acts 17:16:                (at Athens)

ii)   I Peter 2:22-23; Mt. 26:59-63; 27:12-14,29-31,39-44:              (on the cross; read later)

3)   Why do we become sinfully provoked?

a)   Num. 20:10-12:

i)     Failure to believe, trust God.

ii)    Failure to honor God, hold Him sacred.

b)   Jonah 4:4,9:

i)     Selfish pride. 

ii)    Again, Jonah failed to honor God

4)   What are some consequences of being sinfully provoked?

a)   Num. 20:12: loss of    PRIVILEGE   .

b)   Proverbs 14:17:                      acts.

c)   Proverbs 25:28: Inability to defend the              .

d)   Proverbs 29:22:                           .

5)   What Biblical principles will help me to love?

a)   Focus on              .

b)   Gal 5:22-23; Prov 16:32; 25:28: Be                   FILLED   .

c)   Matt. 5:23-26; Eph. 4:26:  Seek                            .

d)   James 1:19-20; Prov. 17:27: Be quick to              slow to             .

6)  Application:

a)   Memorize James 1:19-20.

b)   Study and meditate on the story of the crucifixion of Christ in Matthew 26-27.  This is the ultimate "love story" if you will and thus you will see love that is NOT easily provoked.

c)   Pray. Ask God to set a watch over your tongue.

d)   Identify people that "easily provoke" you.  Why do you think they provoke you?  Confess this to God.  Seek reconciliation wherever necessary.

e)   Ask for help to be a listener when you are around them, and others.  This is the key: be a listener.