1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity braggs not itself, is not puffed up,… Like the last word, this is one in frequent use by our apostle. He employs it — 1. As an avowal of his own attitude to men. 2. As an injunction to others. 3. As a description of God.The thing he here indicates is rather the fragrance of the whole flower of love than any one of its petals, the lustre of the entire diamond rather than any one of its facets. Kindness is — I. A CHARM OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. The word is a beautiful word, and is the expression of a beautiful grace; sometimes being rendered gentleness, goodness — in the Rheims' version-benignity. It is not simply a manner, but a moral loveliness that shines through all manner. II. AN OBLIGATION OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. It is not an ornament to be worn at option, but the constant garb of our life, not a work of supererogation, but a necessary, essential, and elemental duty. (U. R. Thomas.) Parallel Verses KJV: Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,WEB: Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, |
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