1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Commentary
The Characteristics of Love
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, the apostle Paul describes the characteristics of love, which is the greatest virtue in the Christian faith. This passage is a continuation of Paul's discussion on the importance of love in the previous verses.
Verse 4: Love is Patient and Kind
Love is patient (Greek: makrothymia). This means that love is able to endure difficult circumstances and people without becoming frustrated or angry. It is willing to wait and persevere, even in the face of adversity.
Love is kind (Greek: chrestos). This means that love is gentle, considerate, and generous. It is willing to show compassion and sympathy to others, even when they may not deserve it.
Verse 5: Love is Not Self-Seeking
Love is not envious (Greek: zelos). This means that love is not motivated by a desire to possess something that belongs to someone else. It is not driven by jealousy or covetousness.
Love is not boastful (Greek: perperos). This means that love is not proud or arrogant. It is not concerned with self-promotion or self-glorification.
Verse 6: Love Does Not Delight in Evil
Love does not delight in evil (Greek: chairen). This means that love does not take pleasure in the sins or failures of others. Instead, it rejoices in the truth and is committed to doing what is right.
Verse 7: Love Bears All Things
Love bears all things (Greek: stegē). This means that love is willing to cover over the sins and weaknesses of others, rather than exposing them. It is willing to forgive and forget.
Love believes all things (Greek: pisteuō). This means that love is willing to give others the benefit of the doubt and to trust them, even when they may not deserve it.
Love hopes all things (Greek: elpizō). This means that love is willing to hold on to hope, even in the face of adversity. It is willing to persevere and to believe that things will get better.
Love endures all things (Greek: hupomenō). This means that love is willing to persevere through difficult circumstances and to stand firm, even when others may abandon ship.
In conclusion, Paul's description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 provides a beautiful portrait of the character of God and the kind of love that we should strive to demonstrate in our relationships with others. It is a love that is patient, kind, humble, and willing to forgive and persevere, even in the face of adversity.
