Love Does Not Compare

This is the third in a sermon series based on 1 Corinthians 13’s treatise on love and titled, “Love, Always.” Today’s reading is the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, describing how each prayed in the temple, the Pharisee saying he’s glad he’s not like others. The focus today is on love not being envious, boastful, or arrogant, all of which would be comparing ourselves to others. At times when we compare ourselves to others we experience envy, and at other times we experience pride, and in these cases it is hard to love. Is there a way that comparing can invoke love?