The True Definition of Love
The True Definition of Love
1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-9
#1 – LOVE SUFFERS LONG
It is slow to lose patience.
Doesn’t demonstrate irritations, or reflect anger, or have a quick temper. Has fully accepted the character of the mate.
#2 – IT IS KIND
It looks for a way of being constructive.
It is actively creative. It is able to recognize needs. It discovers successful methods of improving or contributing to the other’s life.
#3 – IT DOES NOT ENVY
It is not possessive.
It does not hold exclusive control where one is allowed little or no freedom to fulfill apart from the mate.
#4 – IT DOES NOT PARADE ITSELF
It is not anxious to impress.
Doesn’t seek to make an impression or create an image for personal gain.
#5 – IT IS NOT PUFFED UP
It does not cherish inflated ideas of its own importance.
It is not self-centered. It has the ability to change and to accept change. It is flexible. It doesn’t allow or expect life to revolve around itself.
#6 – IT DOES NOT BEHAVE RUDELY
It has good manners.
Has respect for others which results in a set of Christ-centered standards. Has discretion. Knows what is proper and when.
#7 – IT DOES NOT SEEK ITS OWN
It does not pursue selfish advantage.
Does not have primary concern for personal sexual appetites or social status but concern for the needs of the mate and the families involved.
#8 – IT IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED
It is not touchy.
#9 – IT THINKS NO EVIL
It does not keep account of evil.
Is not hypersensitive or easily hurt. Does not take things too personally. Is not emotionally involved with personal opinions so that to reject ideas or reject the one giving them. It is not fickle. It has perfect peace and confidence that God is primarily responsible for introducing the right partner at the right time.
#10 – IT DOES NOT REJOICE IN INIQUITY
It doesn’t gloat over the wickedness of other people.
Doesn’t compare self with others for self-justification. Doesn’t use other’s evil to excuse personal weakness. Doesn’t say, “Everyone is doing it.”
#11 – IT REJOICES IN THE TRUTH
It is glad. With all Godly men, truth prevails.
Is active in fellowship with dedicated Christians. Is occupied with spiritual objectives.
#12 – IT BEARS ALL THINGS
It knows no limit to its forbearance.
Has the ability to live with inconsistencies of others. Has empathy for the problems of others.
#13 – IT BELIEVES ALL THINGS
It knows no end to its truth.
It believes in the person and the person’s worth without question. It has no reason to doubt the person’s integrity.
#14 – IT HOPES ALL THINGS
It knows no fading of its hope.
It is not fickle. It has perfect peace and confidence that God is primarily responsible for introducing the right partner at the right time.
#15 – IT ENDURES ALL THINGS
It has unlimited endurance.
It is able to outlast anything. It is able to endure all obstacles and even love in the face of unreturned love.
