“Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect.” This is the rendering of ‘The Passion Translation’ (TPT) of the beginning of 1 Corinthians 13:5. This English version is copyrighted by the Broad Street Publishing Group LLC. I took this from a list on www.Biblegateway.com. You can view the rendering of the whole fifth verse here.

“Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect.” I thought this translation was worth mentioning on this blog. It points me to yet another aspect of what this verse might tell us.

I feel these words point to practical issues. I like to refer here to the way we talk to others and the way we talk about them.

It is fairly easy to say many things about individuals who are not present. Quite possibly the person concerned will never be told about what you have said. Thus there is little danger of queries from him or her.

How about speaking negative things about others? The above quoted translation seems to suggest that there might be people who enjoy spreading bad rumours about others. Some might consider it fun and sociable spending time just telling others all they dislike about certain people.

Now for all those who are thinking about what Christian love might imply here are some practical ideas. I have come across some of these suggestions many years ago.

• Is it true what I am intending to say about that person?
• Is it necessary to say these things?
• Could I think of five good things this person has done or of five good aspects of his or her personality? Perhaps this will help me moderate my negative feelings.
• What might this person answer me, if I were to tell him or her about my negative ideas or reports? Perhaps he or she could tell some valid reasons about what makes him or her doing or saying things the way he or she does.
• What would Jesus say or do? It may be good to pray for wisdom as for how to deal with other people.
• How would you like others talk about yourself, if you should be guilty of certain failures?

All that I have listed here could also be helpful as to speaking directly to a person concerned. It may not always be good or necessary to do so. Yet perhaps you would have the chance to grow in wisdom and understanding, if you should allow others to tell you what they think about your ideas.

“Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect”. Love would always remain respectful about others. Love would not enjoy dwelling on that which might be shameful to others.