Studies in 1 Corinthians Attributes of Love 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
In Context: Text dealing with spiritual gifts There was jealousy and other ungodly attitudes in Corinth. Paul calls for them to work together (as a body) Yet, “a more excellent way”
In our last lesson: The importance of love – 1 Cor. 13:1-3, & how this text is dealing with spiritual gifts
Love suffers long “to be patient, to bear with” (Vine’s) “To demonstrate patience despite difficulties” (LN) A word meaning “long tempered” 2 Pet. 3:9, 1 Thess. 5:14
Love is kind Acts of goodness and pleasantness toward others Kindness, goodness – Gal. 5:22, 2 Cor. 6:6, Rom. 11:22 Kindness is a universal language How to show kindness – SMILE!
Love does not envy Envy – to experience strong resentment against someone The Greek word, ζηλόω (zeloo) Jas. 3:14-16, 1 Cor. 3:3 Rom. 13:13
Love does not parade itself Word found only here and speaks of one who brags to elevate his standing over others Cf. 2 Cor. 10:12-13
Love is not puffed up The attitude of arrogance that leads to one parading himself 1 Cor. 4:6, 18-19, 5:2, 8:1 An inflated ego will clearly hinder
Love does not behave rudely “To act in defiance of social and moral standards” resulting in embarrassment, shame & disgrace. The opposite of kindness
Love does not seek his own One following selfish pursuits. He thinks of himself in all that he does Phil. 2:3-4, Rom. 15:1-2
Love is not provoked To be stirred or stimulated ( cf. Acts 17:16 – positively) Describes one who becomes upset and reacts rashly. He is “short tempered” 2 Pet. 1:5-7 Gal. 5:23
Love thinks no evil “Does not take into account a wrong suffered” (NASU) Thinks - describes one who keeps a record of wrongs. He dwells on the negative Love lets go, forgives and moves on. It WANTS what is best.
Love does not rejoice in iniquity Iniquity involves sin. Love will not rejoice in sin or the bad things that happen to others (even their enemies)
Love rejoices in truth Rather than reveling in iniquity, love craves the truth and rejoices when it prevails. This one WANTS what is right regardless of who gets credit or benefits
Love bears all things “to put up with annoyance or difficulty” Involves covering up or concealing a matter 1 Cor. 9:12 cf. 1 Pet. 2:24
Love believes all things Not gullible, but optimistic. You want what is good and will put that “spin” on it when possible.
Love hopes all things Not only does he believe the best, he sincerely wants that to be true. He hopes for the best outcome
Love endures all things Going further than “bears all things”, here it references persistence in this. Matt. 10:22, 2 Tim. 2:10-12
Love never fails It will ALWAYS be there, even when other things fall apart.
To the church at Corinth Each of these attributes contributed to a proper attitude toward dealing with spiritual gifts and sharing. If everyone possessed these qualities, problems would evaporate. If ONE possessed them, matters would be better.
Is Christian Love prevalent in our lives?