Real Love Defined
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing. If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all. Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part [for our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete]. But when that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:1-13 (Amplified Bible, AMP)
The word love used here in the Greek is agape, which refers to an unconditional, sacrificial love. God’s love is unconditional and sacrificial. Unconditional says, “I’ll love you no matter what.” Sacrificial says, “I put you and your needs first.” That’s what Jesus did for us at the cross. He loves us no matter what and He sacrificed His own life to give us His life. He did it so we could live the love life that He demonstrated. This is how God is towards us. Thus, we are to be like this with ourselves and with others.
God’s love endures long and is patient and kind towards us. We to reflect this in our attitudes towards ourselves and in our relationships with others. Love is tested daily! As we choose to love in each situation, we will pass the love test. Jesus did, so we can too.
Love is never envious or jealous of what others have or the positions they hold. We are to rejoice with those who rejoice. Love is genuinely happy for others’ victories. As we do this, God will see to it that we have victories too. By staying in love, we won’t allow anything to defeat us.
Love doesn’t boast, and it isn’t haughty or prideful. Love takes the low position to lift others up. Arrogance has no place in our lives. When we are humble and promote others, we will find God promoting us. Love is humble. It isn’t conceited or puffed up and inflated with pride. When we operate in humility, it glorifies God and lifts up the name of Jesus.
Love is well-behaved, not rude. It doesn’t seek its own rights or its own way. We are to seek God and what God wants over our own desires. Love is not touchy, but it is thick-skinned. When we take offense easily, we are not walking in love. Love doesn’t worry or become resentful. Trust God, and be happy for the good things that happen to other people.
Love takes no account of evil done. It doesn’t hold a grudge. We aren’t to keep record of the bad things that others have done to us. Don’t replay it over and over in your mind. When we choose not to think on such things, it is easier to love (Philippians 4:8).
Love rejoices when right prevails and wins out. Love bears up through all things and bears, or carries, the burden for others. It believes the best of everybody, even its enemies. Love hopes and endures through whatever comes. It grows stronger, not weaker, in the midst of difficulties. Love never fails or comes to an end.
God is love (I John 4:8), therefore, this tells chapter describes how God thinks and acts towards us. We are to reflect this in how we think and act.
