We all know about price inflation. Notice that love does not demonstrate “pride inflation” (verse 4, “not boastful or proud”). That inflation happens in thinking about one’s self, and focusing on what one can do to be more in the limelight, and draw more attention to self. Remember, this agape love is about others, and shining the light on them, and helping to meet their needs, and advance their lives. The focus of agape love is not us. It’s not about how great we are! It’s about helping others to advance and “be great”. If we are loving others, we give no room to the inflation of self, or putting ourselves forward, or screaming out in word or deed, “look at me, look at me!”
Following on, we have to resist the temptation to pride even when we legitimately have reason to draw attention, or put ourselves forward. We may have legitimate reason to do that, as we have done something that is praiseworthy, and we hope would be duly noted in this love relationship, but we may need to step away and tell ourselves to “hold back…”
That keeps us from the pride inflation bit. We aren’t talking about taking steps towards “pride deflation”, but just not giving in to the tendency to inflation.
Freddy Boswell 