Tag: love

TODAY’S DAILY BIBLE VERSE

First Corinthians chapter 13 verses 4 through 7: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

VERSE CONTEXT
The apostle Paul (Pawl) wrote the First Epistle to the Corinthians while he was in Ephesus (Ef-uh-suhs), likely around A.D. 55. Paul’s purpose in this letter was to correct various problems within the Corinthian church, a church he had personally planted during his second missionary journey. Corinth was a wealthy, cosmopolitan city in Greece, but it was also infamous for immorality and rampant divisions, both cultural and spiritual. The church in Corinth struggled with factions, sexual immorality, misuse of spiritual gifts, and improper worship practices. In chapter 13, Paul shifts his focus to the supremacy of love (charity), teaching that even the most spectacular spiritual gifts are meaningless without genuine love. This chapter serves as the heart of Paul’s teaching on what it means to live as Christ’s body, putting others ahead of self.

The key word in this passage is “charity,” which is the King James Version’s translation of the Greek word agapē (ah-gah-pay). Agapē refers to the highest form of love—selfless, sacrificial, and godly love. This is not romantic or friendly love, but the kind of love God shows toward humanity and commands believers to show to each other. Strong’s Concordance defines agapē as “affection, good will, love, benevolence,” but within the biblical context, it carries the weight of divine love that seeks the best for others regardless of personal cost.

Let’s examine a few significant phrases. “Suffereth long” comes from the Greek makrothymeō (mak-roth-oo-meh’-o), meaning to bear patiently, to endure offense without retaliation. “Vaunteth not itself” translates perpereuomai (per-per-yoo’-om-ahee), meaning not boastful or bragging. “Rejoiceth not in iniquity” comes from chairei epi adikia (khahee-reh’ ep-ee ad-ee-kee’-ah), meaning love finds no joy in wrongdoing, but rather, as Paul says next, “rejoiceth in the truth”—synchairei tē alētheia (soon-khahee-reh’ tay al-ay’-thi-ah), meaning love celebrates truth and righteousness.

Paul presents love not as a fleeting feeling, but a constant, active choice to put others first, rooted in the very character of God. In a church obsessed with status and self-promotion, this teaching would have been a direct rebuke.

BROADER CONTEXT
Chapter 13 is nestled between Paul’s teachings on spiritual gifts (chapter 12) and orderly worship (chapter 14). This placement is deliberate. Paul is teaching that no matter how gifted believers are—whether they prophesy, speak in tongues, or possess great knowledge—without love, these gifts are empty. First Corinthians chapter 13 elevates love as the necessary foundation for all Christian living and service. Paul’s emphasis on agapē love connects to Jesus’ teaching in John chapter 13 verse 35: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” This chapter also serves as a bridge between the vertical love of God for His people and the horizontal love believers must show each other.

The broader message of First Corinthians as a whole is a call to unity, holiness, and selflessness in the face of division and pride. Corinth’s believers were ranking themselves by spiritual gifts, wealth, and status, but Paul dismantles that mindset by showing that love—true godly love—defines spiritual maturity far more than gifts or status ever could.

APPLICATION

Appreciating God’s Greatness
These verses remind us of the sheer beauty and perfection of God’s love. Every attribute Paul lists is fully embodied in how God loves His people. God suffers long with our failures, His kindness is undeserved, and He rejoices in truth while showing us mercy. When we grasp that God’s love is not based on our worthiness but on His character, we are left in awe. Romans chapter 5 verse 8 reinforces this truth: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” His love bears all our burdens, believes in His divine purpose for us, hopes in our redemption, and endures every rebellion until the day of our salvation or final judgment.

For the Believer
This passage is both comforting and convicting for followers of Christ. It comforts because it reveals how God loves us—patiently, kindly, without arrogance, and without holding grudges. Yet it convicts because it sets the standard for how we are called to love others. Believers are not merely invited to love like this; we are commanded to. John chapter 15 verse 12 says: “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

Call to Action
Ask yourself: Is my love patient or impatient? Kind or sharp-tongued? Do I rejoice when others fall, or do I rejoice in truth and righteousness? This passage calls us to reflect on how we treat family, friends, church members, and even enemies. Choose today to demonstrate agapē love—not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard.

For the Unbeliever
If you have never trusted Christ, these verses offer a glimpse into the kind of love God has for you. This love is not earned. It is not based on your performance or goodness. It is a free gift offered through Jesus Christ. First John chapter 4 verse 9 declares: “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” God loves you with perfect, patient, forgiving love—a love that led Christ to the cross on your behalf. If you’ve ever wondered if anyone could truly love you, the answer is here. God does, and He invites you into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
First Corinthians chapter 13 verses 4 through 7 is not just a description of love—it is a reflection of God’s very nature. As you meditate on these verses today, let them challenge you to love more like Christ, and let them comfort you with the truth that you are already fully loved by Him. Whether you are struggling in relationships, wrestling with forgiveness, or simply feeling unloved, remember: God’s love suffers long, is kind, and bears all things—including you.

You are loved, so much in fact that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.