It being the month of love I wanted to talk about what the verses from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 are all about and what Paul was meaning to say when he wrote this. First of all, Paul wasn't trying to be sweet with this letter, he was reprimanding the Corinthians. He was telling them what real love is all about and the characteristics of love, because they were not a loving church, in fact they were a very judgmental church.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Love is patient - now being patient with someone really isn't easy, but it basically is saying that we need to love the person/people even though they have imperfections, flaws and differences.
Love is kind - kindness is patience in action. Kindness is tender and shows forgiveness when wronged. Forgiveness is not easy either, but when you forgive others you feel better than when you did when you held a grudge.
It does not envy - do not be jealous of what the person has that you don't, if they really love you they will love the talents you have, and you should do the same.
It doesn't boast - it's doesn't brag about what one has had that another doesn't which also goes along with "it is not proud." Which is saying that pride is not a good virtue, in fact God hates pride.
It is not self-seeking - it is not selfish, your care for others before yourself, and treat them with kindness.
Not easily angered - of course we get angry with the ones we love, it's human nature, but if you love them the way God asks, then we will love them enough to find the good in everything they do.
Keeps no records of wrongs - this is sort of like not holding a grudge. One notices what they did was wrong but forgave them for it and don't hold a grudge against then because of happened
Love does not delight in evil it rejoices with truth - so the devil does not love you, he has evil intentions towards everyone. That's not love, he cares only about what he wants and how he can steal, kill and destroy us. God, on the other hand, is love and God is truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres - protect the ones you love - make sure they always safe from anything, or anyone. Trust - being able to trust someone is a huge part of what love is, always hopes and always perseveres, it never dies - if it is true love than it will never die no matter how many obstacles are thrown Your way.
No comments:
Post a Comment