1 Corinthians 13:4-5
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;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Notice how "patient" and "kind" are active descriptions – love does these things. The verse then immediately lists what love doesn't do, implying that the opposite of envy, boasting, and arrogance is the very patience and kindness already mentioned. True love isn't just a feeling; it's a way of acting that actively counteracts selfishness.
Paul is correcting the Corinthians' misuse of spiritual gifts, showing them that love is the essential foundation and true measure of everything in the church, far more important than flashy displays. He breaks down what this all-surpassing love looks like in practice, describing its character and actions, which then serves as the standard against which their behavior and use of gifts should be evaluated. This passage on love directly follows his explanation of spiritual gifts and precedes his argument for the resurrection, framing the church's life and hope within the ultimate reality of God's love.
We often think of love as a feeling, but Paul describes it as actions. What does it really look like to be patient and kind in love?
Paul starts 1 Corinthians 13 by defining love through its observable behaviors.
Patience: The Long View
Love's patience isn't just waiting around; it's a steadfast endurance. It means not giving up on people, even when they repeatedly disappoint or frustrate us. It's the grace to absorb offenses without immediate retaliation. Think of a parent with a struggling child, or a friend supporting someone through a long illness.
Kindness: The Gentle Touch
Kindness is the active expression of that inner patience. It's doing good, being helpful, and speaking gently. It's the opposite of harshness or indifference. Kindness seeks the well-being of others, offering comfort and practical support.
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Paul doesn't just tell us what love is, but also what it isn't. What do envy, boasting, and arrogance reveal about a lack of true love?
The latter half of this verse outlines negative traits that are antithetical to genuine love.
No Envy
Envy is the bitter discontent and resentment of others' success or possessions. True love celebrates the good fortunes of others, understanding that their blessings don't diminish our own. It recognizes that God's provision is not a zero-sum game.
No Boasting
Boasting is self-congratulatory speech that lifts oneself up, often at the expense of others. Love doesn't need to draw attention to itself or its accomplishments. It finds its worth in God, not in human applause.
Not Arrogant
Arrogance is an inflated sense of self-importance and a condescending attitude. Love is humble. It doesn't assume superiority but recognizes the equal value of all people in God's sight.
Understand the original words
makrothymeō · Greek Verb
The quality of long-suffering or enduring steadfastness in the face of provocation or difficulty, refusing to retaliate.
chrēsteuomai · Greek Verb
An active commitment to do good and show benevolence to others, reflecting the gracious character of God.
zēloō · Greek Verb
A sinful disposition of covetousness or jealousy over the success, possessions, or gifts of another, contrary to brotherly affection.
perpereuomai · Greek Verb
An attitude of self-importance or prideful display, often characterized by talking excessively about one's own achievements or status.
physioō · Greek Verb
A sense of inflated self-importance or pride, often manifested as "puffed up" attitudes that look down on others.
aschēmoneō · Greek Verb
Behavior that violates social norms or Christian decorum, characterized by a lack of graciousness or consideration for others.
paroxynō · Greek Verb
A lack of quick temper or sensitivity; the ability to remain calm and composed rather than becoming provoked by external stimuli.
logizomai kakon · Greek Verb phrase
The state of holding onto past wrongs or injuries, characterized by an unwillingness to forgive or let go of grievances.
This passage echoes the foundational qualities of love, emphasizing its practical, action-oriented nature by stating that 'love covers over a multitude of sins.'
Galatians 5:22-23Here, the fruit of the Spirit includes patience and kindness, which are directly named as characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13, showing they flow from a Spirit-filled life.
Colossians 3:12-14This passage calls believers to 'clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,' directly aligning with the patient and kind aspects of love and adding humility, which counters arrogance.
Proverbs 14:29This verse highlights that 'whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but one who has a hasty temper exalts folly,' connecting patience with wisdom and contrasting it with impulsive, boastful behavior.
Notice how "patient" and "kind" are active descriptions – love does these things. The verse then immediately lists what love doesn't do, implying that the opposite of envy, boasting, and arrogance is the very patience and kindness already mentioned. True love isn't just a feeling; it's a way of acting that actively counteracts selfishness.
Paul is correcting the Corinthians' misuse of spiritual gifts, showing them that love is the essential foundation and true measure of everything in the church, far more important than flashy displays. He breaks down what this all-surpassing love looks like in practice, describing its character and actions, which then serves as the standard against which their behavior and use of gifts should be evaluated. This passage on love directly follows his explanation of spiritual gifts and precedes his argument for the resurrection, framing the church's life and hope within the ultimate reality of God's love.
Paul is correcting the Corinthians' misuse of spiritual gifts, showing them that love is the essential foundation and true measure of everything in the church, far more important than flashy displays. He breaks down what this all-surpassing love looks like in practice, describing its character and actions, which then serves as the standard against which their behavior and use of gifts should be evaluated. This passage on love directly follows his explanation of spiritual gifts and precedes his argument for the resurrection, framing the church's life and hope within the ultimate reality of God's love.
"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;" — Notice how "patient" and "kind" are active descriptions – love does these things. The verse then immediately lists what love doesn't do, implying that the opposite of envy, boasting, and arroganc…
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