Love "rejoiceth not in iniquity". (1 Cor 13.6). Holding to a code of conduct necessarily implies that there is a code, and, there is a standard of conduct to which God will hold us. In this particular verse Paul presents a contrast which reflects on all that he has said about love up to this point. We have seen that true love is that which emanates from within and has a desire to care and do for others, not to please them, or to be well thought of, but to be well pleasing in the sight of God who will judge us. In the greater context of the book we recall that there was a man who had taken his father's wife and there was rejoicing over this situation (1 Cor 5.1-2). In our own day and time there are those who marry every day and have no right to do so, being involved in divorces on the part of one or both of the partners. In religious circles this is looked upon as a time of happiness in spite of what God's word has to say about. But, they are in love, as was the man in Corinth, and they were all "loving" and "accepting" his "choice" in this matter. This of course was what led Paul to ask why they had not rather mourned so this situation would be taken away from their midst. Leave to Paul to spoil their "happiness". They were rejoicing in unrighteousness.
What happened in Corinth is a perfect example of what happens when the "heart" of man, the subjective aspect of our nature, is allowed to direct our actions. I have heard it said that couples have a right to divorce, live together and do other things because God would not want anyone to be lonely, unhappy or live without sexual gratification. God provided for all of this in the institution of marriage and in no other relationship can this be found. There are many who will rejoice in unrighteousness applying their own subjectivity to the situation, not the word of God.
When a decision has been made to teach and practice something that God has not sanctioned, one commits sin. This was the nature of the conflict with the religious leadership of the first century. Christ, teaching the truth, was a threat to the Pharisees and other because he exposed their reliance on their desires as a guide to doctrine. Christ stated, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matt 15.8-9). This attitude was unloving toward God. Note the fact that the true meaning of love, that is acceptable to God, begins with God, is based on his commands, and is demonstrated in one's attitudes which belie the inner thoughts. Love begins with respecting God. Christ stated that if we love him we will keep his commandments (John 14.15). There are many who "love" Jesus, have accepted him as their personal Lord and savior, and serve with him with ample amounts of misguided zeal.
Taking pleasure in unrighteousness, begins with accepting false doctrine as truth, and not questioning the teachings one receives to see that they are in harmony with the scriptures. God pronounces a curse on all who adopt this attitude. Isaiah states, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isa 5.20). Those who transform that which is false into that which is offered as truth take part in the nature and work of Satan. Paul states, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 cor 11.13-15). To do so is to ignore the warnings of God and invite eternal destruction on one's own soul and the souls of those who listen to them. Isaiah continues his statement above and indicates that it is the pride of man that has led to this. "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" (Isa 5.21). Those in Corinth wanted to be "happy" at the expense of their eternal reward.
The opposite of this attitude then is that which truly defines love as God would have it in our hearts and minds. Love "...rejoiceth in the truth" (1 Cor 13.6). Rejoicing in the truth causes us to hold to God's word as the source of authority, the final say in all matters. We hold to God's word as the ultimate test of our faithfulness to him as we allow it to dwell in our minds and direct our thoughts and actions, regardless of whether it makes us "happy" or not, until that time that the "day star" arises in our hearts (2 Pet 1.19) and we begin to think as God would have us to think. In this sense it is God who will control and shape our emotions, thoughts and actions, not our personal sense of satisfaction and gratification. This was the example of Christ. He gave up all to live in a world that was going to kill him for the sake of offering himself as a sacrifice for all of mankind. Christ submitted himself to God's will while on the Earth and spoke only the things that God had commanded Him (John 17.8). If the son of God did this we must follow that example. We desire salvation and God gives that freely. Love then is truly defined when we respect and honor God by keeping his word. The sacrifice of Christ is a constant reminder of how much we owe God, and the fact that we cannot dictate the terms of salvation. Love, by God's definition points to His word and our attitude toward it.
TLC