The Love of God: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 KJV

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

“Love is patient…” We’ve all heard this before, but how often do we practice it? Patience is often the last thing we feel when we’re in a rush, frustrated, or dealing with difficult people. Yet, true love—God’s love—is characterized by patience. It’s the ability to extend grace and to wait, even when circumstances don’t unfold as we would like. In our marriages, friendships, and even in our relationship with God, love calls us to be patient with each other. Patience is not passive; it’s active trust in God’s timing. It’s choosing to remain calm and gentle, even in moments of irritation or delay.

Love is kind…” Kindness is love in action. It’s the small gestures that show care and concern, the words that lift up instead of tear down. In a world where harshness and criticism often dominate, kindness stands as a powerful witness to God’s love in us. When we choose kindness, we reflect the heart of Jesus. It’s not always easy, especially when we feel hurt or wronged. But love doesn’t seek to return harm for harm—it seeks to bless, to build up, and to show compassion even when it’s not deserved.

“Love envieth not…” Envy is the silent thief of peace and joy. It creeps in when we compare ourselves to others and feel discontent with what we have. But love isn’t rooted in comparison; it’s rooted in contentment. When we love as Christ loves, we celebrate the successes and blessings of others, rather than resenting them. Love teaches us to look to God as the giver of all good things, and trust that He has a unique plan for each of us.

“Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up…” True love doesn’t seek recognition or validation. It isn’t concerned with “showing off” or making itself known. It humbly serves and gives without expecting anything in return. In a culture that often values achievement and status, love calls us to lay aside pride and self-promotion. It’s about putting others first, not for our own gain, but out of a deep, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ’s own humility.

“Doth not behave itself unseemly…” This speaks to the importance of honoring others with our words and actions. Love teaches us to speak with respect, to act with courtesy, and to treat others as we would want to be treated. In relationships, it’s easy to let our guard down and forget to be respectful, but true love keeps kindness and courtesy at the forefront. Whether we’re dealing with our spouse, children, coworkers, or strangers, love calls us to act in ways that honor and uplift others.

“Seeketh not her own…” Love isn’t self-centered. It doesn’t demand its own way or seek personal gain at the expense of others. Rather, love is sacrificial, always looking for ways to serve and give. In our relationships, this means choosing to put others’ needs ahead of our own, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Love calls us to sacrifice our time, our preferences, and sometimes even our comfort for the good of others.

“Is not easily provoked…” In the heat of the moment, it can be hard to keep our cool. But love isn’t quick to anger. It doesn’t allow offense to fester or control our emotions. Instead, love chooses peace, letting go of the small irritations and overlooking offenses. When we let love be the filter through which we see others, we are less likely to snap or react impulsively. We choose forgiveness and grace, just as God has extended it to us time and time again.

“Thinketh no evil…” This is an invitation to guard our hearts and minds. True love doesn’t dwell on negativity or imagine the worst in others. Instead, it chooses to believe the best and to trust. This doesn’t mean ignoring wrongs or pretending that everything is perfect. But it does mean that we don’t allow bitterness, suspicion, or judgment to take root in our hearts. Love sees with eyes of compassion and trust.

“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth…” Love celebrates truth, even when it’s hard. It doesn’t find pleasure in wrongdoing, gossip, or deceit. Instead, love stands firm in the truth of God’s Word and rejoices when truth prevails. In our relationships, love calls us to speak truth in love and to rejoice when we see honesty and integrity shine through, even in difficult circumstances.

“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things…” These final attributes show us that love is resilient. It bears burdens without growing weary. It believes the best in others. It hopes for the future, even in the face of adversity. And it endures all things, never giving up. When we love like this, we reflect God’s unwavering love for us—one that endures forever, no matter the circumstances.

Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice and a way of life. It’s about choosing to be patient, kind, humble, and selfless, even when it’s hard. It’s about reflecting the love of Christ to a world that desperately needs it.