February 6 - Love Does Not Act Unbecomingly

I Corinthians 13:5, "[Love] doth not behave itself unseemly ... "(KJV)

First let's define our terms:
UNBECOMING:  "unsuitable or inappropriate, especially through being unattractive.  Not proper or seemly for" (as in manners unbecoming a lady OR conduct unbecoming an officer.)  Also like an unbecoming dress (unflattering, inappropriate, or unattractive). 

UNSEEMLY:  "grossly improper ... not suited to the circumstances; inappropriate. 
not in good style or taste.  unbecoming."

Martha Peace who wrote The Excellent Wife does not mince words on this subject:
"A wife acts unbecomingly or rudely when she is disrespectful and not submissive to her husband ... A loving wife acts properly and in a manner that is fitting.  She does not respond based on her mood ... She has good manners." 

NOW, in this aspect I really, really bristled a little at Mrs. Peace's trite, easy assessment and somewhat "narrow" description of acting becomingly (or conversely UNbecomingly) - not that I don't think she is right or biblical - but I don't think it is always THAT EASY.  I think I give a little more slack to women concerning their moods ... mainly because my hormones have not been normal since puberty (except when I'm pregnant - and I obviously can't remain pregnant forever!!); and I've dealt with my extreme moods all my adult life.  I won't go into my personal excuses for extended periods of PMS due to poly-cystic ovarian syndrome or the serotonin-affected migraines I have suffered - I believe - in part due to estrogen-dominance in my body; however, I will agree ONE MAY NOT blame one's MOOD for committing sin.  It is a dangerous thing - I think - to teach our daughters that "during that time of month" they may act or react however they "feel like" - they (and we) have to learn to cope in real life (even if that means hiding out or laying low for a day or two occasionally!).  I won't go further into that subject - but I seriously do think men/friends need to be aware of hormones and cycles and their effects on a woman AS WELL AS the fact that I believe there ARE cases of serious hormonal deficiencies and imbalance - as in CLINICAL REASONS for mood swings, etc.  Unfortunately, those of us who have to deal with these things will have a harder "row to hoe" as they say.  (and no, I never intended to even GO THERE with this subject at all ... THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT LOVE - and I'm chasing rabbits.)

Soooooooo, let's look to our logical, steady male commentator Matthew Henry about this subject instead:
He very succinctly and reasonably says, "[Love] does nothing out of place or time; but behaves with courtesy and good-will towards all men." 
Think of behavior that IS seemly and becoming.  It acts appropriately, politely, attractively, and well-mannered.  Love knows how to behave IN PUBLIC and IN PRIVATE.  It doesn't let a bad mood ruin EVERYONE'S day.  Sometimes that means FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT and ask God to help you MEAN IT.