1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. <a class="
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 · NLT · read the whole chapter ↗
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Context
people hear this at weddings, but Paul first wrote it to a church full of competition and arguments.
in chapter 12 they were arguing about who had the best spiritual gifts. Paul says the greatest thing is love.
he describes love by what it does and what it refuses to do.
What it means
love is something you practice, more than a feeling you fall into. Jesus shows this kind of love perfectly, and he helps us love others this way.
did you know? the Greek word for love here is agape, a self-giving love that chooses others' good.
Think about it
which line in this passage is hardest for you?
Try this
pick one phrase from verse 4 or 5 and practice it with a sibling or friend this week.
pray: God, teach me to love people the way you love me.
talk about it: which line about love is hardest for you to live out?