1 Corinthians 13:6–7 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Let’s continue our look at “The Do’s and Don’ts of Love.”

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Honesty and truth are essential for a good relationship with others. Love should not want anything to do with anything evil.

Love always protects. Love wants to shield others from harm. I think this is especially true of the reputation of others – 8^th Commandment stuff.  You should want to put the best construction on everything. Protect others.

Love always trusts. This is not an easy thing to do. Of course, you have to be discerning, but God tells you to trust others.

Love always hopes. Your love should lead you to look to the future with an optimistic hope, anticipating the good. You know that bad will be mixed in, but you always hope for the best. You can have a good outlook on things because of the faith you have in Jesus.

Love always perseveres. This is not always true in our world today. Many give up easily. God wants you to keep on loving each other in the same way He keeps on loving you.

This list is a pretty tall order. You can’t live up to it. Thank God that even when you don’t love this way, He offers you forgiveness for the sake of Jesus. Because He paid for all sins with His perfect life and His death in your place, you can be sure that God loves you and forgives you. And that is to be your motivation to love each other in the way described here.