Love "doth not behave itself unseemly" (1 Cor 13.5). The word translated "unseemly" in this passage may have been rendered indecently and conveyed the correct meaning. In the context of the entire book it should be noted that Paul is directing his writing to Christians who have not become spiritual and have conducted themselves in ways that would be considered shameful. Paul stated as much in the earlier part of the letter (1 Cor 3). In the course of his letter Paul deals with matters such as going to law with one another (1 Cor 6), incest and fornication (1 Cor 5) and competition over the best spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12), to name only a few of the problems that were rampant in the congregation.
The statement above implies that there is a standard of conduct that is acceptable to God. If we have the respect and love for God that he wants us to have then we will also have the respect and love for others because we know that God loves them too. One should act in such a way that no damage is done to another spiritually. In each of the problems listed above there is a lack of acknowledgment of the person of another. This leads to acting in ways that are not conducive to converting the lost, nor will they result in the growth of a congregation.
Paul, writing to Timothy, stated that one of the reasons that he was doing so was to let Timothy know "how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God" (1 Tim 3.15). The house of God refers to the church. One who is a member of God's church is in the "house of God" at all times, not just on Sunday, Wednesday and other periods of formal worship and study. Paul tells us here that there is a standard of behavior for all Christians and this standard applies twenty-four hours a day. In the previous chapter, discussing the problems related to the spiritual gifts, Paul stated that the Corinthians "should have the same care one for another." (1 Cor 12.25).
In behaving as one ought, there is a genuine concern for others, toward all those who are Christians and those who are lost. There should be a realization then that one does not live for themselves, but for the benefit of others. Paul stated this as another characteristic, writing that love "seeketh not her own". Paul indicated that this was a trait not held by many. Writing to the Philippians Paul told them, "For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." (Phil 2.20-21). Paul was sending Timothy to them since there was no one else that he had this confidence in.
The problems that the Corinthians resulted from the fact that they wanted their own needs, wants and desires to be met. It apparently did not matter to them if they burdened someone else or not and for this reason there was division and strife among them. Paul emphasizes the need to see others in the same light and with the same regard that they held themselves. That this is a common problem that we all face is evidenced by the fact that it appears in various forms throughout the New Testament. Paul told the Romans, "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." (Rom 12.5). In having regard for others Paul stated that they should have another attitude altogether. In speaking of their legal suits against one another, Paul states, " Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" (1 Cor 6.7). The Corinthians apparently forgot they had been forgiven of their sins by the sacrifice of Christ who gave up all things for us.
The fact that we feel as though we have been wronged, and handle it incorrectly in most cases, leads to resentment and anger. Paul stated that love "...is not easily provoked" implying that we do not become "offended" easily when things do not suit us. The Corinthians were angry with one another for a variety of reasons and this had caused them to forget what they were and the fact that God had forgiven them. Paul informed them that in malice they should be children (1 Cor 14.20). Paul told the Romans, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." (Rom 12.18). This applies especially to living with those that we refer to as brothers and sisters in Christ. The Corinthians had lost sight of these things and had begun to act in worldly ways, that is, like everyone around them that was not a Christian.
Christ stated, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." (John 15.17). Christ stated the reason for this. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13.35). There is to be a difference between those who wear the name Christian and those who do not. The Corinthians had not changed their lives. Their hearts were in the wrong place. They had not realized that the passing ideas, sentiments and objects of this life are not worth anything in relation to our souls and the souls of others. Christians have an obligation to work toward possessing the care and concern that comes from dwelling on the estate of others and not our own. This love takes into consideration the spiritual impact of one's actions both publicly and privately knowing that all things are open in the sight of God and He will repay, or avenge, those who have not been respected.
TLC