1 Corinthians 13:4 describes the nature of true love, often referred to as charity in older translations: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”
This verse offers a profound and practical description of what love looks like in action, providing a standard for how we are to treat others.
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“Charity suffereth long, and is kind,” highlights the patience and kindness inherent in true love. To “suffer long” means to be patient, enduring difficult circumstances and people without becoming irritated or angry. This patience is accompanied by kindness, which involves active goodwill and benevolence toward others. True love is enduring and consistently seeks the good of others, even in challenging situations.
“Charity envieth not,” means that true love is not jealous. It does not resent the success or blessings of others. Instead, it rejoices with those who rejoice and celebrates their victories and achievements without any sense of rivalry or covetousness. Love focuses on others’ well-being rather than being consumed by personal desires or comparisons.
“Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,” teaches us that true love is humble. It does not boast or brag about itself. Love is not arrogant or self-important but rather seeks to serve and uplift others. Being “puffed up” refers to having an inflated sense of one’s own importance. True love recognizes that humility and service are more valuable than self-promotion and pride.
Reflecting on this verse, we see that love is more than just a feeling; it is a choice and a commitment to act in ways that reflect God’s character. Love is patient, showing tolerance and understanding. Love is kind, actively doing good to others. Love is free from envy, celebrating others’ successes. Love is humble, focusing on others rather than seeking personal glory.
In practical terms, living out this kind of love means being patient with those who frustrate us, showing kindness to those in need, celebrating others’ blessings without jealousy, and remaining humble in all our interactions. It means putting others before ourselves and seeking to reflect the love that God has shown us.
Jesus exemplified this love in His life and teachings. He was patient with His disciples, kind to the marginalised, free from envy, and humble in His service. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate this love in our daily lives.
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Today, let us commit to embodying the love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4. Let us practise patience and kindness, reject envy, and embrace humility. By doing so, we reflect God’s love to the world and fulfil our calling as His children. May our lives be marked by this selfless, enduring, and humble love, bringing glory to God and blessing to those around us. Amen.
