In 1 Corinthians chapter thirteen, we learn that love is necessary and profitable.
God’s Word tells us that love matters and is an action, a command, and a purpose (John 13:35).
But what’s hard to figure out is how to have the kind of no-bounds love that Jesus had.
Fortunately, 1 Corinthians 13 is like a Love Instruction Manual. In just thirteen verses, we get a definition of what love is and how it acts.
Let’s break it down.
Patient (v.4)
We have to be patient everywhere. . .at the grocery store, with siblings, during the dry portions of church service. We spend a lot of time waiting, in between, and spending time with people who test every nerve ending.
That’s where patience comes in.
Sometimes the seasons we have to be patient in are short—five minutes waiting in line at the store—other times they’re long—five years or longer waiting for someone to come to Christ.
So when you love someone, you choose to be patient with them and not get angry when they mess up. You pray for them as they go through a rough patch and walk with them no matter how long it takes.
Kind (v.4)
Surprisingly, kindness isn’t always easy.
It’s awkward to hold open a door for someone that’s too far away and weird to spark a conversation with a stranger.
Kindness isn’t always big, and it’s not always small. It looks different day by day, person by person.
Not envious (v.4)
Do you like when people wish they were more like you or had what you have? I don’t. It’s weird and feels wrong. What makes it worse is when they hate you because of what you have, and you feel the pressure to perform worse just to make others happy.
Not only that, but hating someone because of the talents, possessions, or friends they have isn’t loving.
Not boastful or prideful (v.4)
Love doesn’t focus on itself. It’s a “for them” kind of attitude, where we serve, care for, help, and hear other people. We don’t boast about our accomplishments or tear others down because we’re better than them.
Someone with true love understands that it’s not about themselves.
Not rude (v.5)
Are you guilty of showing partiality to anyone? Being fast friends with the popular girl but ignoring or avoiding the weird one?
Your words and actions have power. . .the power to lift up and tear down, the power to encourage or discourage (Proverbs 18:21). Use them wisely.
Not selfish or demanding (v.5)
It’s not about you. You are the servant, and God is the Master, which means you have no authority to demand that “lesser” people cater to you.
Slow to Anger and Quick to Forgive (v.5)
Jesus told His disciples to forgive as many times as is needed (Matthew 18:21–22).
Forgiveness isn’t just for those who ask. Mark 11:25 says that if you have a grudge against anyone when you stand to pray, forgive them first.
Rejoices in truth (v.6)
Are you rejoicing when the truth is proclaimed?
Lies tell us we aren’t good enough, that God doesn’t care, that we have to somehow earn our salvation. Lies speak hatred and disunity into our lives.
On the flip side, truth in love will always be worth rejoicing in.
Never gives up (v.7)
Every day, minute, and moment—that’s when real love is there.
Love when all seems wrong and you’d rather turn away. Love when you think you’ve reached the end of your rope, and this is for sure the last time. Love without conditions, clauses, or rules.
Sometimes that looks like giving up when really it’s letting the other person make their own decisions. Like when God let us choose to part from Him even though it means destruction.
But love, like God, will do anything to stop it first. Love will send His Son to die. . .love will humble Himself to the point of a criminal’s death. . .love will befriend sinners and change hearts.
That’s what love does.
Always faithful and hopeful (v.7)
Even when the world feels like it’s being torn apart at the seams, there’s still hope in the plan God has for you (Jeremiah 29:11). Are you trusting Him in that?
Enduring every circumstance (v.7)
It’s tough to be with someone despite their circumstances.
Complicated health.
Crumbling relationships.
Messy choices.
No matter the circumstance, love will always be there.
Forever (v.8)
God has always and will always love you. That’s a kind of forever, unconditional love humans can’t get anywhere else.
How does this definition of love change your actions toward God and His people?
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