Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
To understand what Paul is talking about in this most well known of passages we need to understand what Paul has just finished writing to the Corinthian church. Prior to writing to the Corinthians about love Paul had just spent the previous two chapters dealing with order within the church (chapter 11) and spiritual gifts (chapter 12). Now Paul is telling the Corinthians that having an orderly church service and having great and powerful spiritual gifts do not matter if you do not have love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Paul then goes on to describe what this love looks like, which is where today’s passage comes in.
Based on today’s passage we can define Biblical love as the decision (not merely a feeling) to compassionately (out of concern for someone else), righteously (based on God’s standards), and sacrificially (giving to meet a need) seek the well-being of another. Notice each of the characteristics of love: it is patient, it is kind, it is not envious, it is not arrogant and it is not irritable. These things are only possible when we put others before ourselves. Notice, also, that love does not affirm someone in their sin or their false beliefs because true Biblical love “finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth” (13:6 CSB). And lastly true Biblical love does not quit because it will endure through thick and thin.
Today’s Bible Readings:
Jeremiah 51:54-52:34, Titus 3, Psalm 100:1-5 and Proverbs 26:18-19
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