How does 1 Corinthians 13:5 connect with Jesus' teachings on love? Love Is Not Rude—Jesus Honors Dignity • 1 Corinthians 13:5 begins, “Love is not rude…”. • Jesus’ pattern: – Matthew 7:12: “In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Mark 10:13-16: He welcomes children others tried to shoo away, showing courtesy to the least. • Practical connection: refusing cutting words, mockery, or dismissive tones mirrors Christ’s respectful posture toward every person made in God’s image (Luke 4:22, John 4:27). Love Is Not Self-Seeking—Jesus Embraces Servanthood • 1 Corinthians 13:5 continues, “…it is not self-seeking…”. • Jesus’ teaching and example: – Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – John 13:14-15: After washing the disciples’ feet He says, “You also should wash one another’s feet.” • Living it out: – Place others’ needs ahead of personal comfort (Philippians 2:3-5). – Use gifts for kingdom good, not personal spotlight (Matthew 6:1-4). Love Is Not Easily Angered—Jesus Models Meekness • 1 Corinthians 13:5 adds, “…it is not easily angered…”. • Jesus’ instruction: – Matthew 5:39-41: “Do not resist an evil person…turn the other cheek…go the extra mile.” – Luke 6:27-28: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.” • Jesus’ example: – 1 Peter 2:23 (reflecting Isaiah 53:7): “When He was maligned, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats.” • Application: surrender irritations to the Spirit, respond with gentle words (Proverbs 15:1, Galatians 5:22-23). Love Keeps No Account of Wrongs—Jesus Grants Full Forgiveness • 1 Corinthians 13:5 closes, “…it keeps no account of wrongs.”. • Jesus’ clear instruction: – Matthew 6:14-15: “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 18:21-22: Forgive “seventy-seven times.” • Jesus’ ultimate act: – Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” • Walking this out: – Release grudges, refuse to rehearse offenses (Ephesians 4:31-32). – Remember the canceled debt parable (Matthew 18:23-35) as motivation to cancel others’ debts against us. Bringing the Threads Together • Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:5 lines up seamlessly with Jesus’ words and deeds. • Each negative—no rudeness, no self-seeking, no quick temper, no record-keeping—draws us to Christ’s positive pattern of honoring, serving, enduring, and forgiving. • By the Spirit’s power (Romans 5:5), believers manifest this Christ-shaped love, proving to the world that we are His disciples (John 13:34-35). |
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