To “parade” oneself is a very descriptive expression for “boasting.” One of the characteristics of love is that it does not parade itself, 1 Cor. 13:4.
To parade oneself is intentionally to try to appear to be more than what is true. It is impossible for this to be an ingredient in love, because love is true. Pretense is one of the opposites of love, and the motive behind it is to draw attention to oneself, like a male peacock! Therefore to “show off”, or to behave in a certain way, or to make certain outward gestures to make people think that you have love, is very destructive and will rob you of the power to love in truth.
The very essence of love is to benefit its recipient
The very essence of love is to benefit its recipient. Love is a hidden covenant of the heart and a commitment to do only what is good and profitable for the one who is loved, without giving room for self-consideration or gain. All demands and expectations for something in return are a blemish and contradiction to love.
Love is not conscious of itself, so it cannot parade itself! How could it possibly have anything to boast about? On the contrary, because love is keenly aware of the needs and condition of its “target,” it is blissfully free from having to elevate, defend, or justify itself.
Love is selfless…boasting is selfish!
Love gives…boasting takes!
Love is sacrifice…boasting is self-preservation!
Love exalts others…boasting serves oneself!
Love brings rest…boasting is a sea of restlessness!
Love is fulfilling…boasting is emptiness!