1 Corinthians 13:4: Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.
“Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth [builds up]” (1 Cor. 8:1). The purpose of spiritual gifts is the edification of the church (1 Cor. 12:7; 14:3, 5, 12, 17, 26). This means we must not think of ourselves, but of others; and this demands love.
The Corinthians were impatient in the public meetings (1 Cor. 14:29–32), but love would make them long-suffering. They were envying each other’s gifts, but love would remove that envy. They were “puffed up” with pride (1 Cor. 4:6, 18–19; 5:2), but love would remove pride and self-vaunting and replace it with a desire to promote others. 1
Application
- Read Romans 12:10. According to this verse, what are two things that you can do to show love towards others?
- How has pride affected your ability to love others? Are you willing to repent of this sin today?
Thought to Share
God allows us to wait, so His love can be perfected in us. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, teach me to rejoice in and through those periods of personal suffering.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.