Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
In the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is one of the most well-known and beloved passages about love. In this passage, the Apostle Paul writes about the characteristics of true love.
Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." (Verse 4)
The passage starts by defining what love is. Love is patient, which means it is able to endure difficult circumstances without becoming angry or frustrated. Love is also kind, which means it is gentle and considerate towards others.
No Envy, No Boasting, No Pride
"It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." (Verse 4)
Love does not envy, which means it is not jealous of what others have. It does not boast, which means it does not brag about its accomplishments. And it is not proud, which means it is humble and recognizes its limitations.
Not Self-Seeking, Not Easily Angered
"It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." (Verse 5)
Love does not dishonor others, which means it treats others with respect and dignity. It is not self-seeking, which means it puts the needs of others before its own needs. It is not easily angered, which means it is able to control its emotions and respond calmly to difficult situations. And it keeps no record of wrongs, which means it forgives and forgets past hurts.
Love Protects, Trusts, Hopes, and Perseveres
"Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (Verse 7)
Finally, love always protects, which means it seeks to safeguard and care for others. It always trusts, which means it has faith in others and is loyal. It always hopes, which means it looks forward to a bright future with optimism. And it always perseveres, which means it is committed to sticking with others through thick and thin.
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 paints a beautiful picture of what true love looks like. It is patient, kind, humble, and selfless. It is the kind of love that God has for us, and it is the kind of love that we should strive to show to others.
