10 Powerful Lessons About Love From 1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13 — and in particular 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — is without a doubt one of the most popular portions of scripture in the Bible. It’s often read at weddings, as the relatively short section of scripture, written by the Apostle Paul, perfectly summarizes the power, characteristics, and importance of love.

1. LOVE IS PATIENT

Many of us struggle with patience, but this particular Corinthians love verse encourages us to be patient and to remember that love, in and of itself, is patience. This can be a convicting message to some of us, but it’s important to consider how it plays out in our own lives.

2. LOVE IS KIND

The Bible repeatedly tells us to love neighbors more than ourselves, to help strangers, and to live out kindness. So, it should come as no surprise that 1 Corinthians 13 4-7 tells us that love is also kindness. As we consider how we treat friends, family and strangers, let’s fully integrate this message into our lives.

3. LOVE ISN’T BOASTFUL OR PRIDEFUL

Love doesn’t boast, nor is it prideful. As we explore each Corinthians love verse, these powerful words might stir our souls. It’s a sure-fire truth that each of us has struggled with pride at one point or another in our lives, but a quick look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reminds us that we must overcome these characteristics and rise above them — especially if we want to be seen as living out biblical love.

4. LOVE DOES NOT ENVY

A quick 1 Corinthians 13 summary also reminds us of the importance of not being envious. The Bible tells us not to be jealous of others, but this verse in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 drives that point home, explicitly telling us that love “does not envy.” Are there areas in your own life where this is convicting? Envy can be a poison to the heart and soul and can motivate negative trajectories in one’s life.

5. LOVE ISN’T SELF-SEEKING

1 Corinthians 13 4-7 also tells us that love isn’t self-seeking. In a culture and world that tells us to love for ourselves, the Bible implores us to show love by caring about the needs of others. Jesus’ command that we “love God” and “love others” is a powerful reminder that it’s not all about us.

And in putting together this 1 Corinthians 13 commentary, it’s essential we drive home that point, as it seems to appear a number of times in some of these Corinthians love verses.

6. LOVE IS NOT EASILY ANGERED

Another important lesson from 1 Corinthians 13 4-7 centers on the fact that love “is not easily angered.” Some might also struggle with frustration and anger, especially if life takes a difficult turn. But keeping this important reality in mind is indispensable.

If you struggle with anger, turn to God and pray using this Corinthians love verse as a reminder.

7. LOVE DOESN’T KEEP A RECORD OF WRONGS

Part of loving others is forgiving them. Unfortunately, it’s easy to fall into the trap, though, of keeping a “record of wrongs” — a laundry list of all of the things someone has done to hurt or harm us.

1 Corinthians 13 4-7 tells us, though, that love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs, so this should also get us thinking deeper about how we handle those who have hurt us. If we’re truly going to forgive, we must let go of the mental records we’ve been keeping — records that can truly impede forgiveness.

8. LOVE REJOICES WITH TRUTH

The gospel offers the ultimate story of God’s love and devotion to mankind. With this comes so many powerful lessons. While this particular Corinthians love verse is common sense, it’s worth highlighting. 1 Corinthians 13:6 tells us that “love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

It’s essential that we always seek and rejoice in the truth, and that we do not embrace or delight in evil. The best way to do this? A healthy and robust devotional and prayer life.

9. LOVE ALWAYS PROTECTS

We’re also told in 1 Corinthians 13 4-7 that love always protects. Beyond exploring the truths in this 1 Corinthians 13 commentary, this is a truth we see lived out in God’s love for humanity. And we also see it replicated in the protection loving parents give to their children. This is just one of the truths that a simple 1 Corinthians 13 summary tells us to remember.

10. HOPE AND PERSEVERE

And last but not least, 1 Corinthians 13 4-7 tells us to trust, hope, and persevere. Love does all of these things.

As Christians, we’re told to find trust and hope in God, and that, through Him, we will be able to find the strength to persevere.

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