1 John 4:8 declares, "God is love." This powerful statement forms the cornerstone of understanding God's nature. To further understand what this divine love entails, we turn to Paul's description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. By examining each attribute of love outlined by Paul, we can gain a deeper appreciation of God's character and how His love can manifest in our lives.
- Love is Patient (1 Corinthians 13:4)
God's patience is evident throughout the Bible. Despite humanity's frequent disobedience and failings, God remains patient, giving us time to repent and return to Him. This attribute reflects His immense forbearance and enduring love, showing us that He is always willing to wait for us to come back to Him.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
"But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness" (Psalm 86:15).
- Love is Kind (1 Corinthians 13:4)
God's kindness is boundless, evident in His provision, protection, and care for all creation. His kindness is seen in His grace, offering salvation to all who believe, regardless of their past. This kindness is a testament to His generous and benevolent nature.
"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy" (Titus 3:4-5).
"The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:17-18).
- Love Does Not Envy (1 Corinthians 13:4)
God, in His perfection, does not envy. He is wholly complete and self-sufficient. This attribute assures us that God's love is pure and free from selfish desires. He desires our good, not out of envy, but out of a genuine wish for our well-being because he knows what is best for us, which is himself.
"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God" (Deuteronomy 4:24).
However, His jealousy is not born out of envy but out of a desire for our undivided devotion and well-being. "I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God" (Isaiah 45:5).
- Love Does Not Boast, It Is Not Proud (1 Corinthians 13:4)
God's humility is most profoundly demonstrated in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Though He is the Creator of the universe, He chose to humble Himself and live among us. This humility shows the selfless nature of God's love, seeking to lift others up rather than to exalt Himself.
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:5-7).
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
- Love Does Not Dishonor Others (1 Corinthians 13:5)
God's love always respects and honors His creation. He does not demean or belittle us but sees us as valuable and worthy of His love. His actions are always aimed at upholding our dignity and worth.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well" (Psalm 139:13-14).
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27).
- Love Is Not Self-Seeking (1 Corinthians 13:5)
God's love is the ultimate example of selflessness. He gave His only Son, Jesus, for our salvation, putting our need for redemption above His own comfort. This selflessness underscores the sacrificial nature of divine love.
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters" (1 John 3:16).
- Love Is Not Easily Angered (1 Corinthians 13:5)
God's love is slow to anger, abounding in mercy. Despite our repeated mistakes and sins, He does not respond with immediate wrath but with compassion and a desire for our repentance. His patience with us is a clear reflection of His loving nature.
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love" (Psalm 103:8).
"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness" (Psalm 86:15).
- Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5)
Through Christ, God offers forgiveness, erasing the record of our sins. This divine forgiveness is an essential aspect of His love, demonstrating that He does not hold our past against us but offers a fresh start.
"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12).
"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12).
- Love Does Not Delight in Evil but Rejoices with the Truth (1 Corinthians 13:6)
God's love is inherently good and just. He does not condone wrongdoing but delights in righteousness and truth. His love leads us towards goodness and away from evil, encouraging us to live in the truth of His Word.
"For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome" (Psalm 5:4).
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17).
- Love Always Protects, Always Trusts, Always Hopes, Always Perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:7)
God's love is our ultimate protection, shielding us from spiritual harm. His trust in us is evident in the responsibilities He entrusts to us as His children. His hope for us is boundless, always believing in our potential to grow and become more like Him. His love perseveres through every trial and challenge, never giving up on us.
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2).
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
- Love Never Fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)
God's love is eternal and unchanging. It is a steadfast anchor in a world of uncertainties. No matter the circumstances, His love remains constant and unwavering, assuring us of His perpetual presence and care.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23).
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Understanding that "God is love" through the lens of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 enriches our comprehension of His divine nature. Each attribute of love Paul describes not only defines what true love looks like but also reveals the character of God. His love is patient, kind, humble, selfless, forgiving, and eternal. Embracing these truths helps us to better appreciate the depth of God's love for us and encourages us to reflect His love in our own lives as we abide in Him.
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