1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
For a more detailed study of each description click on the highlighted text:
1. Love is patient – It bears injuries or provocation for a long time; it is long-suffering, not easily provoked – Is there someone you need to continue to be patient with in a loving way?
2. Love is kind – Disposed to do good to others – Is there someone you can show kindness to this week in a loving way?
3. Love does not envy – It desires not to deprive others of what is rightfully theirs, it does not wish that they did not have it or had it to a lesser degree. – Is there someone or something you are envying that is keeping you from being loving?
4. Love is not proud – Is there something that you are proud about that is keeping you from loving God and others?
5. Love is not rude – it is not unseemly, unfit, unbecoming, or indecent. Do you have unloving behavior in your life for which you should receive correction from the Lord, so you can be a more loving person?
6. Love is not selfish – Love does not insist on its own way! Are there some selfish thoughts and motives in your heart that are keeping you from loving others?
7. Love is not irritable – Is not quick-tempered, touchy. Have you been irritable with someone today? If so the loving thing to do is to make it right by asking forgiveness.
8. Love is not resentful – It does not keep a ledger of the wrongs – it does not store up the memory of any wrong it has received. Do you have a list of someone’s wrongs stored up that you just won’t forgive? If so, do the loving thing and give it to God.
9. Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing – Love finds no pleasure in the sin of others that brings hardship and judgment into their lives. If you are rejoicing over the downfall of others, repent and pray for God’s mercy to be upon them.
10. Love rejoices in the truth – What truth have you rejoiced in today? Can you think of something true, that you can rejoice about in a loving way with others?
11. Love bears all things – It enduringly protects and covers the beloved in all things. What ever the hardship, difficulty, attack, and trial, the loving person is there to help, not only to back you up but also to be a shield. Are you being a protecting shield in your love for others?
12. Love believes all things – love is completely trusting, it is not suspicious. Have you failed to give someone the benefit of the doubt lately? The loving thing is to check it out!
13. Love hopes all things – It does not despair, it keeps on hoping for the best in regard for all men. Love refuses to take failure as final it does not give up on someone. Have you been tempted to give up on someone for whom you care deeply? Love keeps caring!
14. Love endures all things – Love sustains the assaults of suffering or persecution, in the sense of bearing up under them, and enduring them patiently. Is your love for someone being tested? Let God help you to love them for the long hall.
Conclusion: Love Never Fails
Pastor Don Julian
Mark Worden
Ben Power
