The phrase “rejoiceth not in iniquity” comes from 1 Corinthians 13:6, which emphasizes that love does not take pleasure in wrongdoing or sin. Instead, it reflects a commitment to truth and righteousness, highlighting the moral integrity of true love.
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4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
“Rejoiceth Not in Iniquity” Meaning in Scripture
The phrase “rejoiceth not in iniquity,” taken from 1 Corinthians 13:6, presents a profound insight into the nature of love as depicted in the New Testament. In this context, iniquity refers to sin or moral wrongdoing, and Paul’s assertion underscores that true love cannot find joy or satisfaction in actions or behaviors that contradict God’s standards of righteousness. By emphasizing that love does not celebrate iniquity, Paul articulates a fundamental characteristic of love: it aligns itself with truth and justice. This is echoed in Psalm 97:10, which states, “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil,” underscoring that genuine love, especially that which comes from God, inherently opposes wrongdoing.
Moreover, this principle of not rejoicing in iniquity extends beyond interpersonal relationships to encompass broader societal and spiritual implications. Love is called to advocate for righteousness and truth, as reflected in Proverbs 12:22, “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” When individuals or communities find pleasure in iniquity, they compromise their moral integrity and their reflection of God’s love. Thus, love that genuinely reflects God’s nature champions righteousness and seeks justice, standing in stark contrast to the celebration of wrongdoing that permeates some aspects of human experience. This challenges believers to scrutinize their attitudes and responses to sin, ensuring they align with a perspective of love that fosters truth and justice, as illuminated throughout Scripture.
The concept of not rejoicing in iniquity reflects a consistent biblical theme that the manifestation of true love is intertwined with righteousness. While love encompasses affection and kindness, it also demands a commitment to moral principles. In James 1:22, the call to be doers of the word—not merely hearers—reinforces the idea that true adherence to God’s commands is a form of love that cannot endorse sinful behavior. This practical aspect of love signifies that mere acknowledgment of God’s truth should incite action that aligns with His will, rejecting any form of iniquity that might attempt to corrupt that love.
Additionally, throughout Scripture, the principle of not celebrating iniquity is intertwined with the theme of justice. In the prophetic literature, such as the book of Amos, God condemns the exploitation of the poor and the corrupt practices that were prevalent in society. The denunciation of injustice and immorality by prophets illustrates that a community which thrives on iniquity cannot genuinely experience the fullness of God’s love. Such texts challenge readers to consider the implications of their relationships with God and others, emphasizing that a true reflection of love manifests as a commitment to righteousness and justice. In this way, rejoicing in truth becomes an essential aspect of the believer’s experience, illuminating the path to a community shaped by love that is inherently opposed to wrongdoing.
The Nature of True Love
The phrase “rejoiceth not in iniquity” emphasizes that true love, as depicted in the Bible, is fundamentally opposed to wrongdoing and moral corruption. It suggests that genuine love cannot find joy in the suffering or sin of others. Instead, it seeks to uplift and support righteousness. This principle serves as a reminder that love is not merely an emotion but an active choice to align oneself with what is good and just, rejecting any form of evil or injustice.
The Call to Righteousness
This phrase also highlights the biblical call to righteousness and moral integrity. It serves as a warning against complacency in the face of sin, urging believers to take a stand against iniquity. By not rejoicing in wrongdoing, individuals are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle that reflects their commitment to God’s standards of holiness. This call to righteousness is a central theme throughout the scriptures, reinforcing the idea that one’s character and actions should reflect a deep-seated aversion to sin.
The Importance of Discernment
Furthermore, “rejoiceth not in iniquity” underscores the importance of discernment in the life of a believer. It encourages individuals to evaluate their responses to situations and the actions of others critically. This discernment is essential for maintaining a clear moral compass and ensuring that one’s joy is rooted in truth and goodness rather than in the fleeting pleasures of sin. By fostering discernment, believers can navigate the complexities of life while remaining steadfast in their commitment to righteousness.
How to Embrace Love and Righteousness as a Christian
Embracing love and righteousness as a Christian is a beautiful journey that begins with understanding the heart of God. Love is not just an emotion; it’s an active choice we make every day, reflecting the unconditional love that Christ showed us. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, particularly passages like 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 John 4, which remind us that love is patient, kind, and the very essence of God. As you cultivate this love, let it guide your actions—serve others, forgive freely, and seek to understand rather than judge. Righteousness, on the other hand, is about aligning your life with God’s will. This means making choices that honor Him, even when it’s difficult. Pray for strength and wisdom, and remember that it’s not about perfection but about progress. Surround yourself with a community that encourages you in both love and righteousness, and don’t hesitate to lean on them when you stumble. In doing so, you’ll not only grow closer to God but also become a beacon of His love in a world that desperately needs it.
Bible References to “Rejoiceth Not in Iniquity”:
Romans 12:9-21: Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Ephesians 5:1-14: 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not become partners with them;
8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
9 for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.
10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.
13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,
14 for anything that becomes visible is light.
Proverbs 24:17-20: 17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.
19 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; do not be envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
Psalm 5:4-6: 4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.
5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
Isaiah 5:20-24: 20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!
22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink,
23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
and deprive the innocent of his right!
24 Therefore, as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root will be as rottenness, and their blossom go up like dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
1 Peter 3:8-12: 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.
Amos 5:14-15: 14 Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said.
15 Hate evil, and love good,
and establish justice in the gate;
it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts,
will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.
Zephaniah 3:11-13: 11 On that day you shall not be put to shame because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me; for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain.
12 But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord,
13 those who are left in Israel;
they shall do no injustice
and speak no lies,
nor shall there be found in their mouth
a deceitful tongue.
For they shall graze and lie down,
and none shall make them afraid.”
1 John 3:4-10: 4 Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
6 No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.