Today, we will continue to examine 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 where Paul gives us the definition of the principle of “Biblical Love”. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told us that the Holy Law is summed up in obedience to the principle of love, but it is not a sentimental love, which God gave us in His common grace. No, it’s the kind of love explained to us in Romans 5 in the work of Jesus Christ in verses 6 through 8; while we were ugly sinners, God demonstrates His love in that Christ died for us.
Here the Apostle Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. The entire letter to the church is written to confront attitudes and actions that are unloving. It is a sad reality when the church and its members ignore the principle of biblical love. That’s why Paul wrote this letter and that’s why we need this strong reminder today.
As we saw last week at the outset of this section, Paul sets up a contrast:
If we speak eloquently and majestically, even as they did in Corinth with the gift of tongues, it accomplishes nothing, if done without love. There is no clarity without love. Our speech would be an empty void.
And, then knowledge is contrasted. We marvel at the greatest minds of this world. They have incredible abilities to unlock mysteries that they explore. Corinth was at the center of these magnificent developments. Even if you had all knowledge and faith to believe God, but without love, then that knowledgeable person is nothing.
Then, Paul relates that if we spent our energies and money for others, but without an attitude and conduct of biblical love, the eternal value amounts to nothing.On the heels of these contrasting facts, it only then makes sense what Paul relates to us as he explains the highest standard – biblical, Christ-like love:
Love is long-suffering and useful. (1 Cor 13:4)
This is not just coping or getting by.
Patient love endures wrongs inflicted and it does not seek, plan, or even contemplate revenge.
In fact, it is the opposite; biblical love is useful. We love enemies.
Love is not jealous. (1 Cor. 13:4b)
Love does not take what others have or prevent others from getting something.
James 4:1-2 reveals the heart behind our jealousies. We can diagnose jealousy when we quarrel or argue. We lack love as we are jealous in our pursuits.
Love is not covetous. Does one of your good desires rule you, so that you sin to get it or sin to keep it?
It’s not loving to want what your neighbor has or work to prevent him from having it.
Love does not boast. Love is not arrogant or unbecomingly. (1 Cor. 13:4c-5a)
Boastful
Boasting of one’s accomplishments or greatness.
Boasting includes knowing everything and not willing to learn.
It is not possible to boast and love at the same time.
It is boastful to exalt your excellencies or accomplishments, while baiting others to compliment you.
What about the simple desire to be perceived well by others?
Arrogant
This one is standing against truth. They are unwilling to humbly be wrong.
They are unwilling to come under a truth.
They stand in hardened defense of their position.
Unbecomingly or rude
More precisely, this is the one who does not care about the context of the situation or moment.
They don’t understand and are unwilling to be moderate or sensitive when the situation requires it.
To be the opposite is love; you are to treat others as more important than yourself (Phil. 2:3). Love requires a walk with humility.
People are afraid to conform to a standard.
Love is always sensitive and considerate of others (Romans 12:9ff). Love out does one another in honor.
Love does not seek its own (1 Cor. 13:5b)
We are not to simply please ourselves (Rom 15:1-3). We bear the weaknesses of others for their good and edification.
Christ is our example. He allowed all reproaches to fall upon Him, while seeking the good of others in His teaching.
Love pleases his neighbor. Love bears his neighbor’s weaknesses.
Love proactively seeks the highest good for others without a demand.
Love cannot be provoked into an ungodly response (1 Cor. 13:5c)
How do we immediately react to the sins of others?
A person focused on love cannot easily react or become provoked to respond.
Love is patient. There are no sudden outbursts in love.
All of us have a grid of expectations and demands. In Christ, we must learn to dismantle our grid in conformity to Christ. We deserve nothing.
Still, the command here is to respond as Galatians 6:1 teaches. Our response is always with gentleness.
Unprovoked love is essential in parenting as our children will regularly sin. We don’t respond in anger. But, still severe rebukes are necessary in loving gentleness and with great patience.
We must ask ourselves… how many of the things that bother us bother God?
Love is not easily irritated or angered.
Love has a long fuse. Unrepentance shortens that fuse. Carefully examine when you are provoked to determine if you have different expectations than God.
Love does not reckon an evil on the accounting books (1 Cor. 13:5d)
(Matthew 18:23ff) Christ tells a story of a king who had compassion. A loving person has compassion and does not keep a ledger of wrongs done.
To love with compassion, we need to become Christ-like and practice divine compassion. 1 Peter 2:23 is a great passage to help us grow in compassion.
Christ was reviled and did not revile in return.
He was compassionate, because He entrusted Himself to God.
We are afraid to let go and absorb offenses, because we are afraid that we will continue to be taken advantage of. But, love gives grace and love entrusts themselves to God.
Still, God doesn’t tell us to stay silent about sin, so we sometimes confront, but with compassion, forgiveness and gentleness.
Repent each time that you don’t show compassion. Pray for wisdom and discernment.
Remember our Savior. It is painful to be sinned against; just like it was for Christ to pay for every one of those sins.
