Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, ERV)
Love is patient; love is kind. Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast or brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in love; it’s never rude, crude, or indecent – it’s not self-absorbed. Love isn’t easily upset. Love doesn’t tally wrongs. – (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, VOICE)
As we head toward Valentine’s Day, it is always a good idea to think about what love really means. So often, love is mistaken for lust or infatuation. Real love is a decision and a commitment, not a fleeting feeling. Love is not limited to eros, which is physical love, the sort of love intended for spouses; philos, is warm affection or friendship; agape is the sacrificial, unconditional love of God, and the example of how we ought to love one another. In this 1 Corinthians 13 explanation of love, we see that love is sacrificial – for it requires sacrifice to let go of anger and wrongs. This passage also demonstrates that love is active, for patience and kindness are intentional acts of the will. Additionally, we need to be obedient to God to love in a way that does not envy or boast or dishonor others. If we love and obey God, we are God-seeking Him to show us and grow us in His love so that we may love Him and one another as He designed us to love. May we ever invest our hearts into a deeper relationship with Christ so that we may be transformed into His likeness to love well.
Lord, grow our patience,
And help us be kind;
No grudge or envy,
With Your love in mind.
May love be our choice,
Every day new;
Reflecting Your heart,
In ways that are true.
Alive and active,
Is the love from You;
May we love likewise,
Bring honor to You.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect love for us. Thank You that You designed us and You remind us to understand and extend all that You’ve given us to You and those around us. Forgive us for the times that we have been rude, self-seeking, or held grudges. Teach us to love like You in every situation and circumstance. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to learn to love well. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. – Psalm 86:15
Revelations In Writing 