Love Behaves Itself
I Corinthians 13:5
Many of us may remember those times in our childhood when we were about to visit relatives or friends, go to the doctor, attend church, etc. Our mother would take us aside for a few words. “You had better behave yourself” she would clearly advise. Following that would generally come another phrase such as “And if you don’t…” or “When I get you back home…”.
On a more serious note, we all know that wherever we are, we should act properly. We should, indeed, behave ourselves, with respect for others in courtesy, speech and conduct.
As St. Paul continues to define love and its attributes in his letter to the Corinthians, he writes, “(love) does not behave rudely” (I Corinthians 13:5). In the original Greek text, he uses only two words to express this phrase, “ouk aschemonei”. With some further searching, we find that there is much more here than just an injunction to “act right” or “be nice”. Those are certainly included, but if you will bear with me, I would like to broaden and deepen this study.
The text uses the word, “rudely” which touches on the meaning. However, there is another Greek term for rude, “idiotes”, which means, ignorant, rude, unlearned. It appears in II Corinthians 11:6 and is translated “untrained”. But “aschemonei” carries a much greater meaning.
The term “aschemonei” is derived from the word “schema” which actually means “fashion” in the sense of form or external condition. In Philippians 2:8, St. Paul speaks of Christ “being found in appearance (fashion, schema) as a man”. This signifies what He was in the eyes of men, “the entire outwardly perceptible mode and shape of His existence” (Gifford, On the Incarnation). Another Greek scholar, Dr. Meyer, describes it in this way: “Men saw in Christ a human form, bearing, language, action, mode of life … in general the state and relations of a human being so that in the entire mode of His appearance, He made Himself known and recognized as a man”. This was His “schema”. How He lived, spoke, acted, and related to others – these comprised Jesus’ “schema”.
We keep in mind that Jesus Christ, while always keeping His divinity, was truly human. He was born of the Virgin Mary (Luke 2:11,12; John 1:14). We can now realize that we, too, have that “schema” as well.
Yes, we human beings are made, fashioned, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26, 27). “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made … “ (Psalm 139:14). St. Paul expresses this thought as well, “for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
This is to say, therefore, that we were created with the same human nature which the Son of God assumed when He came to earth. We were endowed with the same attributes which He possessed as a man (not those of His deity). We have been granted the gifts of speech, hearing, discernment, faith, hope, love, compassion, etc. to live our lives in such a manner as Christ Himself lived.
So, to repeat, we have the “schema” that Jesus had! And the way we live our lives can be a reflection of His life.
Now in this text, St. Paul’s term “aschemonei” begins with the letter “a” which signifies a negative meaning, “not with schema”. It is translated in some versions as “unseemly” and in Romans 1:27 as “shameful”. It is behavior that is improper, uncomely, unacceptable, unworthy, and even shameful. Thus, such kinds of conduct, language, or activities are not in accord with the human “schema” and certainly not for a Christian.
Among the writings of the Apostles, we find references to this word in various forms:
Romans 1:27 – “Likewise also the men …. burning in their lust for one another, men with men, committing what is shameful (aschemosunan).”
Romans 12:2 – “And do not be conformed (suschemati) to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind …”.
I Corinthians 7:31 – “For the form {schema) of this world is passing away”.
I Peter 1:14 – “… as obedient children, not conforming {suschemati) yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance … “.
St. John recorded the words of Christ in his vision of heaven:
Revelation 16:15 – “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame (aschemenoun)”.
I hope this excursion has not appeared too academic. It just seemed to me that there was much more in these two words, “ouk aschemonei” that needed consideration. Therein, St. Paul is reminding us that “the love of God which has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5) does not behave itself in any unseemly manner. Instead, love guides us and helps us to live our lives as our Lord Jesus Christ lived His.
May I urge you to consider reading the Gospels diligently in the days ahead, giving particular attention to Jesus’ “schema” – how He lived, spoke, related, and loved those around Him. And let us pray for the renewal of our God-given “schema”.
By this love, we can “Let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
To God be the glory. Great things He has done.
Fr. Andrew
About The Author
