What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:4? Love is patient “Love is patient” (1 Corinthians 13:4a). • Patience means we give others time to grow, just as God “is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9). • It is the Spirit-produced attitude that waits without resentment (Galatians 5:22). • Practical picture: bearing with a difficult friend, spouse, child, or church member “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). Bottom line: True love refuses to hurry people toward our agenda; it mirrors the long-suffering character of God. Love is kind “Love is … kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4a). • Kindness is love in action—meeting needs, offering words that build up (Ephesians 4:32). • God’s own kindness drew us to repentance (Romans 2:4), and we reflect that kindness when we serve, give, and speak gently. • Titus 3:4 reminds us that God’s kindness appeared in Christ; likewise, our kindness should make Jesus visible today. In practice, kindness looks like: – A listening ear when someone is hurting. – A meal delivered to the sick. – A gentle reply that diffuses anger (Proverbs 15:1). Love does not envy “It does not envy” (1 Corinthians 13:4b). • Envy resents another’s blessing; love celebrates it. • Proverbs 14:30 warns that envy “rots the bones,” while James 3:16 links it to “disorder and every evil practice.” • Instead of envy, love chooses gratitude and rejoices when others are honored (Romans 12:15). Try this heart check: when a friend succeeds, do I thank God for them or wish it were me? Love picks the first response. Love does not boast “It does not boast” (1 Corinthians 13:4b). • Boasting inflates self; love magnifies God. • Jeremiah 9:23-24 urges, “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom … but let him who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me.” • Paul echoes the same in 2 Corinthians 10:17-18, pointing all credit back to the Lord. Practical steps: – Speak of achievements as gifts, not personal glory. – Redirect praise: “Thank you—God has been kind.” Love is not proud “It is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4b). • Pride puts self first; love puts others first (Philippians 2:3-4). • God “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Proverbs 16:18 warns pride precedes a fall; humility paves the way for God’s blessing. Daily application: seek opportunities to serve in unseen ways, allowing others to take the spotlight. summary Each phrase in 1 Corinthians 13:4 paints a portrait of Christlike love: patient enough to wait, kind enough to act, secure enough to resist envy, humble enough to avoid boasting, and lowly enough to reject pride. By the Spirit’s power we live out this love, reflecting the Savior who perfectly embodies every line. |
    |