Love - Lesson 9: Love Lived Out (7) – Doesn't Rejoice in Unrighteousness, But Rejoices With the Truth

Love

Lesson 9: Love Lived Out (7) – Doesn't Rejoice in Unrighteousness, But Rejoices With the Truth

1 Corinthians 13:6 doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

Romans 2:8 but to those who are self-seeking, and don’t obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation,

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

The Main Points for This Lesson:

This series of lessons will center around love as seen in chapter 13 of the apostle Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians. The purpose of these lessons is to teach about love: love's importance; what love looks like lived out, including what it is and what it isn't, and what it does and what it doesn't do; love's greatness.

In previous lessons we have seen that love is patient and love is kind. We have also been looking at what love is not and does not: Love doesn’t envy; Love doesn’t brag; Love is not proud; It doesn't behave itself inappropriately; It doesn't seek its own way; Love is not provoked; And takes no account of evil. In this lesson we will continue this by considering that love doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. These items are not separate and unconnected. It seems that in some way or another each item affects another.

Love doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness. Unrighteousness is that which is evil, wrong, brings harm to someone, and especially is against God's good and righteous law. To rejoice in unrighteousness is to be glad about what is unrighteous. We may rejoice in unrighteousness in ourselves, or in others, or both.

Rejoicing in unrighteousness in ourselves. We may rejoice in our own unrighteous behavior or choices, being glad about it, not showing any repentance about it. We may find pleasure in thinking about evil and sinful things, even if we would not carry them out. Some may do this from pride. It is certainly inappropriate behavior. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness. Love does not delight in thinking upon or doing what is wrong and sinful. Love rejoices with the truth.

Rejoicing in unrighteousness in others. We may rejoice in unrighteousness that other do or that is done to others. Perhaps we would never do such a thing ourselves, but we think it is exciting, or entertaining, that someone has done it. We may rejoice when someone else does wrong because we want that person to be hurt, and we think their doing wrong will bring harm to themselves (see Jonah 3-4). If another person doing wrong makes us appear better, or brings about some benefit to us, then we may rejoice in that as well, as the men who murdered Ishbosheth thought David would rejoice over the news of their crime. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness. It does not delight in doing wrong itself, nor in seeing others doing wrong, or being harmed.

Love rejoices with the truth. The truth, in this context, can be understood to be that which is right and good, that which brings good to someone. The truth can be obeyed (Romans 2:8), and is something in which we can walk (3 John 1:4). The truth makes us free. What does it mean to rejoice with the truth? What things keep us from rejoicing with the truth?

What does it mean to rejoice with the truth? When we find pleasure in thinking about what is pure and right and good, we are rejoicing with the truth, as the man who speaks truth in his heart (Psalm 15:2). When we walk in the truth, obeying the good and righteous laws of God (and so obeying God himself) from a sincere heart, we are rejoicing with the truth. Love rejoices with the truth.

This love finds happiness in obeying the truth, but it does not stop there (or it is not love). Love finds equal joy in others obeying the truth (3 John 1:4). The father of the prodigal son rejoiced in the repentance and return of his younger son because he had such a love. Love rejoices when good is done, no matter who does the good. Love rejoices with the truth.

What things keep us from rejoicing with the truth? Pride, self-seeking, hate, fear. These and more may keep us from rejoicing with the truth. All of them are things found within our own hearts and minds. Hatred toward another person will keep us from rejoicing in their repentance and return to God (Jonah 4:1-3). Pride and self-seeking in our hearts will keep us from rejoicing in the good deeds that another person did (Mark 9:38-40), because we are not the center of attention, and so cannot be happy. Even fear of personal loss may keep us from rejoicing with the truth, as King Saul could not rejoice in the good deeds of David, because he feared the loss of his kingdom. The truth is not always easy or pleasant on its face, but for those who obey the truth and walk in it, it always sets them free.

Love doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. God has shown such a love toward us. Let us learn to put aside pride and self-seeking, and let us learn to put on a love without hypocrisy, that does not rejoice in unrighteousness in any way or form, but rejoices with the truth.

Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we are having some lessons on 1 Corinthians 13, about love. While 1 Corinthians 13 is not the only place God teaches us about love, it provides a very helpful, practical, and (perhaps) easily understood description of love.

In this lesson, we will learn about what love looks like lived out in our lives.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:6. Love “doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth,” is the focus of this lesson.

Ask the children if they know what it means to rejoice. (To be happy or glad or excited about something.)

Ask the children what unrighteousness is. Help them to understand that at its simplest, it is what is bad or wrong.

Ask the children what they think the truth means then. They can understand it to mean simply what is good and right.

Explain to them that love isn't glad or happy about what is wrong or bad, but is happy about what is good and right. Tell them you will read to them (or tell them) two stories. Ask them to listen and tell you if the people in the stories rejoiced with the truth or if they rejoiced in unrighteousness.

Read or tell the story in Jonah 3:1-4:11. (You can shorten it to Jonah 3:1-4:2 if need be.) Make sure they understand that the people of Nineveh were wicked, but that they repented of their sin and obeyed the truth. Emphasize Jonah's response to this. Ask the children about Jonah. Did he rejoice in unrighteousness or rejoice with the truth? (He rejoiced in unrighteousness.) How did he do that? (By wishing the people had remained in their wickedness, so that God would destroy them.)

Read or tell the story in 2 Samuel 1:1-27 about David hearing of the death of King Saul. Before getting into the story, remind the children that David had been anointed king some years before. Also remind them that King Saul had tried many times to kill David. As you tell the story, ask the children questions. What do you think the Amalekite thought David would do when he told him the news of Saul's death? (He thought David would rejoice that Saul was dead.) What did David do when he heard the news? (He was sad, and was not happy about King Saul's death, or that this man had helped to kill him.) Did David spend time thinking about all the bad things King Saul had done to him? (No, he remembered the good things King Saul and Jonathan had done.) Did David rejoice in unrighteousness, or did he rejoice with the truth? (He rejoiced with the truth.)

Ask the children about themselves in relation to this. Have they even been glad to hear that someone they were angry with was hurt? That is rejoicing in unrighteousness. What should we do instead?

To close the lesson, pray with the children (perhaps asking God's help to love what is good both for ourselves and for others), and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.

Stories:

2 Samuel 1:1-27

After the death of King Saul, an Amalekite told David that he had killed King Saul. Whether it was true or not, he thought this would be good news to David. Years before this, David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king. King Saul had more than once tried to David to kill him. In light of all this, David does not rejoice at the death of King Saul. He does not rejoice in this man who claimed to have a hand in Saul's death. Instead, David and those with him mourned. Further, David rejoiced in the good things of King Saul and his son Jonathan. In this story, we see that David did not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoiced with the truth.

Jonah 3:1-4:11

Jonah went to Nineveh and preached to the people there. They listened to Jonah's warning, humbled themselves and repented of their sin. Jonah was unhappy about this. He wanted the people of Nineveh to continue in their wicked ways so that God would destroy them. Jonah rejoiced in the unrighteousness of the Ninevites (which would lead to their destruction) and did not rejoice when they began to obey the truth (through which they found mercy from God). On the other hand, we see that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked would repent and live (Ezekiel 18:23,32;33:11). God did not rejoice in the unrighteousness and destruction of the Ninevites. Instead, he rejoiced in their obedience of the truth.

More Stories and Examples:

Numbers 11:24-30

This is the story of Joshua being jealous for Moses' sake. In principle, it is similar to the story of Mark 9:38-40 (see also Luke 9:49-50). Joshua was unhappy upon hearing that two men, who were not Moses, were prophesying in the camp. He was still learning to rejoice with the truth. However, when Moses heard, he wished that all God's people were prophets and the God would put his Spirit on them all. Moses knew of the love that did not seek its own, but rejoices with the truth, regardless of whether or not it was connected to himself.

2 Samuel 4:5-12

Two men murdered Ishbosheth and brought his head to David. In doing this, they removed the last barrier preventing David from becoming king of all Israel. These two men thought David would rejoice in what they had done and reward them. However, they found that David would not rejoice in murder, even the murder of his enemy. He we have an example of someone who did not rejoice in unrighteousness.

Mark 9:38-40 [38] John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone who doesn’t follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow us.” [39] But Jesus said, “Don’t forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. [40] For whoever is not against us is on our side.

Instead of rejoicing that demons were being cast out in Jesus' name, John forbid the man doing it because he didn't follow Jesus and his disciples. While it would not be right to say that John was rejoicing in unrighteousness in doing this, he had not yet fully learned what it means to rejoice with the truth. It seems that physically following Jesus and the disciples was more important than the truth, in this case, casting out demons in Jesus' name. Jesus used this as an opportunity to teach that his disciples should rejoice in the truth. When good is being done, we should rejoice, no matter who is doing the good.

Luke 15:4-7,8-10

These are the parables Jesus told of the lost sheep and the lost coin. When the shepherd found his sheep, and the woman her coin, they not only rejoiced themselves, but they asked others to rejoice with them. They were asking others to rejoice with the truth. The shepherd's and the woman's friends and neighbors had not lost anything, nor found anything of their own. They were asked to rejoice with the truth, to rejoice because of a principle, to rejoice because of something greater than and outside of themselves. “Rejoice with me, for I have found [that which] was lost.”

Luke 15:11-32 (note: vv25-32)

This is the story of the prodigal son. The father rejoices as the repentance and return of his prodigal son. The older brother does not rejoice in the repentance and return of his younger brother. Instead, it seems he would be happier if his brother had remained in his unrighteousness.

Acts 11:20-24 [20] But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. [21] The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. [22] The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch, [23] who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord. [24] For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.

Barnabas was glad to see the grace of God at work in others, even if he was not the one who had been instrumental in that grace working in them. He rejoiced with the truth.

Acts 15:3 They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.

The brothers rejoiced with the truth. They found great joy in the conversion of the Gentiles from sin to the living God.

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 [1] It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles, that one has his father’s wife. [2] You are puffed up, and didn’t rather mourn, that he who had done this deed might be removed from among you.

Pride in the hearts and minds of the Corinthian believers had blinded them. Not only had they allowed sexual immorality to remain in the church, some even rejoiced in this. They rejoiced in unrighteousness.

2 Corinthians 7:8-11 [8] For though I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you sorry, though just for a while. [9] I now rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you were made sorry to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing. [10] For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death. [11] For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.

In dealing with the Corinthian church about this matter of sexual immorality in the church, Paul had brought sorrow to them. He was not happy that they experienced sorrow. He was not happy about anything that brought them harm. Yet he did rejoice that they were made sorry because that led to repentance, to their eternal well-being. He we see the apostle Paul rejoicing with the truth.

Other Verses:

DOESN’T REJOICE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS

Job 31:29-30,40 [29] “If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him; [30] (yes, I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking his life with a curse); [40] let briers grow instead of wheat, and stinkweed instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended.

Psalm 1:1-2 [1] Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night.

Psalm 13:4 Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”; Lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall.

Psalm 52:1-5 [1] Why do you boast of mischief, mighty man? God’s loving kindness endures continually. [2] Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. [3] You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking the truth. Selah. [4] You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue. [5] God will likewise destroy you forever. He will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. Selah.

Proverbs 2:12-14 [12] to deliver you from the way of evil, from the men who speak perverse things; [13] who forsake the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; [14] who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perverseness of evil;

Proverbs 17:5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

Proverbs 24:27-28 [17] Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls. Don’t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown; [18] lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

Obadiah 1:12 But don’t look down on your brother in the day of his disaster, and don’t rejoice over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction. Don’t speak proudly in the day of distress.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

BUT REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH

Psalm 35:9 My soul shall be joyful in Yahweh. It shall rejoice in his salvation.

Isaiah 66:10-14 [10] “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her: rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn over her; [11] that you may nurse and be satisfied at the comforting breasts; that you may drink deeply, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.” [12] For thus says Yahweh, “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream: and you will nurse. You will be carried on her side, and will be dandled on her knees. [13] As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.” [14] You will see it, and your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like the tender grass: and the hand of Yahweh shall be known toward his servants; and he will have indignation against his enemies.

John 8:31-32 [31] Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. [32] You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

1 Corinthians 12:26 When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

2 John 1:4 I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.

3 John 1:2-4 [2] Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. [3] For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. [4] I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

TRUTH

Psalm 15:1-2 [1] Yahweh, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill? [2] He who walks blamelessly does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart;

Romans 2:5-9 [5] But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God; [6] who “will pay back to everyone according to their works:” [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life; [8] but to those who are self-seeking, and don’t obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation, [9] oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who works evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

LOVES RIGHTEOUSNESS, HATES LAWLESSNESS; VS. LOVES INIQUITY

Psalm 5:4 For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can’t live with you.

Psalm 11:5-7 [5] Yahweh examines the righteous, but the wicked and him who loves violence his soul hates. [6] On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. [7] For Yahweh is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.

Psalm 11:5-7 [AB] [5] The Lord tests the righteous and the ungodly: and he that loves unrighteousness hates his own soul. [6] He shall rain upon sinners snares, fire, and brimstone, and a stormy blast shall be the portion of their cup. [7] For the Lord is righteous, and loves righteousness; His face beholds uprightness.

Psalms 15:1-5 [1] Yahweh, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill? [2] He who walks blamelessly does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart; [3] He who doesn’t slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor casts slurs against his fellow man; [4] In whose eyes a vile man is despised, but who honors those who fear Yahweh; he who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn’t change; [5] he who doesn’t lend out his money for usury, nor take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be shaken.

Psalm 16:3 As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.

Psalm 109:17-18 [17] Yes, he loved cursing, and it came to him. He didn’t delight in blessing, and it was far from him. [18] He clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment. It came into his inward parts like water, like oil into his bones.

Hebrews 1:8-9 [8] But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. [9] You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.”