1 Corinthians 13:4–7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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.
There is a lot in this brief passage describing the characteristics of God’s love. While you often hear this read at weddings, it is important to note that this passage is speaking about love, not marriage. It is a description of how God’s people should love others. Some phrases say what love does not do, while others speak of the positive attributes of love. I want to share some thoughts on these characteristics of God’s love with you over the next several days.
Love is patient. Lack of patience causes problems in any relationship. When Cheryl and I got married, she did not know how to cook. I could have told her to learn or else, but that would not have been too pleasant for either one of us. Instead, I told her I’d give her 25 years to learn how. We have been married over 44 years now and I still do almost all the cooking. Of course, she has displayed remarkable patience in putting up with all my shortcomings. Patience is a necessary part of love.
Love is kind. Tenderness will go a long way. It is especially helpful if you can be kind when you are tempted to be critical. When someone is already feeling depressed because of a mistake, do you think it would be better to criticize or speak a kind word? Which would you rather hear? Be kind to one another.
Love does not envy. Jealousy is never good. Envy leads to resentment and anger, but that is not the way of love. If you love others the way God loves, that should lead you to rejoice in the good fortune of others.
Love does not boast. Every person has different abilities. Some do some things better than others. Love leads you to share what you are good at doing with others.
Love is not proud. Pride is a major obstacle to overcome in resolving conflict. Pride keeps you from backing down, even if you know you are wrong. You can’t be too proud to say, “I was wrong, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” That is a big part of love. Pride can keep you from being the loving person God wants you to be.
Love is not rude, self-seeking, or easily angered. I think you can see that these things would be destructive rather than constructive in trying to establish a good relationship with another person. Rudeness is never welcome. Concern only for self does not promote unity. Easily losing your temper won’t be helpful. Those actions do not come from love.
Remember, Paul is talking about the kind of love God has for you, the kind of love He wants you to imitate. Love is not simply a feeling. It is what you do and what you don’t do. We’ll continue these thoughts tomorrow.
