Moe Bergeron

So far, we’ve seen how love is expressed through patience, kindness, humility, selflessness, and self-control. Today, we shift our focus to the moral integrity of love—its alignment with truth and rejection of evil. In a world where wrong is often excused and truth is sometimes blurred, Scripture calls us to love in a way that is not only kind but also righteous.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:6 (BSB)

“Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.”

Love is not just about how we feel or what we do—it’s about what we celebrate. According to Paul, love “does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth”. This reveals something profound: genuine love is morally discerning. It celebrates what is right, and it turns away from what is wrong.

Love Does Not Delight in Evil

What does it mean to “delight in evil”? It’s not always obvious. Sometimes it looks like gossip disguised as concern. Sometimes it’s enjoying someone else’s downfall or quietly celebrating when someone fails. Other times, it’s just turning a blind eye to wrongdoing because it’s easier than confronting it.

But love cannot coexist with evil. Love is never amused by injustice, cruelty, manipulation, or moral compromise—no matter how socially acceptable or entertaining it might seem.

“Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the gate.” – Amos 5:15 (BSB)

When we love as God loves, we grieve over sin and the damage it causes. Love doesn’t mock, shame, or celebrate failure. Instead, it seeks healing, restoration, and redemption.

Love Rejoices with the Truth

In contrast, love rejoices in the truth. This means love finds joy in honesty, righteousness, and integrity. Love celebrates confession, transparency, and transformation. It doesn’t just accept the truth—it embraces it, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.

To rejoice in truth is to live in alignment with God’s perspective. It means we cheer for what is right and just, and we support others when they walk in truth.

“The LORD detests lying lips, but He delights in those who tell the truth.” – Proverbs 12:22 (BSB)

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 (BSB)

Love rooted in truth is a love that sets people free. It doesn’t manipulate, deceive, or cover up. It builds trust, fosters accountability, and cultivates real, lasting relationships.

Discussion Questions

Rejecting Evil

• Are there situations where you’ve found yourself subtly enjoying or excusing wrongdoing? How did that affect your heart or relationships?
• What does it look like to reject evil in everyday life—especially when it’s socially normalized?

Rejoicing in the Truth

• Can you recall a time when telling or hearing the truth led to healing or breakthrough?
• How can embracing truth—even when it’s hard—build stronger, more Christlike communities?

Living with Integrity

• What are some daily habits that help you stay rooted in honesty and righteousness?
• Why is it impossible to truly love someone without a commitment to truth?

Application: Letting Truth Shape Our Love

Cultivate a Heart for Righteousness
This week, take an honest look at your thoughts, media consumption, conversations, and attitudes. Where are you tempted to find amusement or comfort in things that oppose God’s heart? Replace them with things that are good, noble, and edifying.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right… dwell on these things.” – Philippians 4:8 (BSB)

Speak and Live the Truth
Commit to truthfulness in your words and actions, especially in difficult moments. Speak truth with grace, and model honesty in your conversations, your work, and your relationships.

Celebrate the Good
Look for opportunities to highlight truth, integrity, and righteousness in the lives of those around you. Celebrate people who make the hard, right choice—even when it’s countercultural or costly. Let your love be a beacon of moral clarity and spiritual encouragement.

Conclusion: Love That Stands for What’s Right

The love Paul describes is not blind—it sees clearly. It does not compromise with evil, nor does it remain silent in the face of injustice. Love rejoices not just in what is kind, but in what is right.

To love well is to uphold the truth without arrogance and to reject evil without condemnation. It’s to embrace God’s righteousness as the guiding light in all our relationships.

This kind of love is not passive. It’s courageous, discerning, and powerful. And it’s the kind of love that reflects the heart of Jesus.

Next Session Preview:

In Session 5, we’ll unpack the enduring nature of love by exploring how it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. These powerful traits show us how love sustains and strengthens us through every season of life.

Questions and Answers

Q: What if telling the truth might hurt someone?
A: Love never uses truth as a weapon. It speaks with gentleness and timing, aiming to heal, not harm (Ephesians 4:15). Love values honesty and compassion—both are essential.

Q: How can I stand for truth without seeming judgmental?
A: By starting with humility and grace. When we remember our own need for God’s mercy, we can confront falsehood with love and clarity, not condemnation.

Q: What does it mean to “delight in evil” in a modern context?
A: It can be as simple as enjoying gossip, watching entertainment that glorifies sin, or feeling secretly satisfied when someone fails. Love trains our hearts to reject these impulses and pursue what honors God.

Let your love be shaped by truth—and let truth be your joy.