1 Corinthians 13:4-8a WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices with the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never falls away,
The actions of love are in public and private. These definitions of love are character traits of God.
Questions
B1In the following points, think of some examples in your life that God has shown these 16 facets of love, then some ways we should have and will do for others
C1 Suffers long/very patient
The Greek word (makrothumein, Greek #3114) used in the New Testament always describes patience with people and not patience with circumstances. Chrysostom said that it is the word used of the man who is wronged and who has it easily in his power to avenge himself and who yet will not do it. It describes the man who is slow to anger and it is used of God himself in his relationship with men.
C2 Kind
D1 Instead of a reaction of harshness, one is kind.
D2 There is an attitude of mercy before any other action. Though that time may be short, it is present.
D3 It is understanding what the other person is communicating before judging someone.
D4 Love is kind – The idea is that the kind person is disposed to be useful or helpful, even seeking out the needs of the other person in order to selflessly meet those needs without expectation of being repaid in kind! This quality of love inclines one to be of good service to others. [Source—Precept Austin]
C3 Not envious
D1 Matthew 27:17-18 NLT As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)
D2 Envy is to want what the other has—money, spouse, status, following, book sales, etc.
D3 Envy often leads to dangerous tactics as assault/battery, murder, kidnapping, etc.
C4 Doesn’t brag about itself
D1 I’ve heard sermons where the preacher just gave an inflated resume of himself. There was no teaching.
D2 Lenski – When love sees another prosperous, rich, high, gifted it is pleased and glad of his advantages. Love never detracts from the praise that is due another nor tries to make him seem less and self seem more by comparison. The practice of the world is the opposite. he negatives used in Paul’s description suggest corresponding positives. Instead of being envious love is satisfied with its own portion and glad of another’s greater portion.
D3 Judgment from God happens to those who do not give God credit for what He has done and thankful. Romans 1:21 NIV For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
C5 Is not haughty
D1 Clarke writes: There is a phrase in our own language that expresses what I think to be the meaning of the original, does not set itself forward – does not desire to be noticed or applauded; but wishes that God may be all in all.
D2 Colossians 2:18 NLT Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud,
D3 Acts 12:21-23 NLT and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. 22 The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!” 23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.
C6 Doesn’t behave improperly (rudely)
D1 Barclay writes: …it is not rude or willingly offensive to any one, but renders to all their dues, suitable to time, place, person, and all other circumstances.
D2 Unbecoming in English describes behavior which is unseemly, unsuitable, inappropriate or unflattering or not attractive (certainly not attractive in a person who claims to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:1) which is the very essence of divine love (cf John 3:16, Romans 5:8)! And remember both believers and unbelievers are watching you responses…all the time!) [Source—Precept Austin]
D3 Dake writes: Courtesy-love in society: does not behave unseemly; always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous.
Posted by Choco at 12:52 on 23 Dec 20
Labels: God’s Character Traits, love’s character traits