The biblical term for love is agape. It is not a feeling it’s an act of the will. It is choosing the highest good of another solely on their intrinsic value.
Therefore, God is to be loved infinitely, and his good sought first and foremost. And our neighbor’s good is to be sought equally with our own good, because we are all of equal value.
There’s actually a whole sermon just in that definition itself. All humans are of equal value according to Jesus. That’s why we’re supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves. And a neighbor is simply someone who is near enough to do good to.
The Love Chapter
In order to understand love, from the biblical perspective, let us look at what is called the love chapter. I’ll be using the Amplified Bible for this short commentary on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
“Love endures with patience and serenity” (verse 4).
Of course this is dealing with other people. Love endures with patience and serenity, not only life circumstances, but interactions with other humans.
“Love is kind and thoughtful” (verse 4).
There surely is not enough kindness in the world. And few people nowadays are thoughtful. Unfortunately. Most people are inconsiderate and do not think about how their actions affect others.
I will give you an example. I don’t know how many times I’ve been at work, and somebody will be blaring their phone with their favorite music. I don’t listen to secular music, and I don’t enjoy listening to someone else’s music. It is unthoughtful.
“[Love] is not jealous or envious” (verse 4).
To be jealous means that you wish the other person didn’t have what they got. To be envious means to want what the other person has. The best way to be unhappy is to never be satisfied with what you have.
“Love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant” (verse 4).
A person wrapped up in themselves makes a very small package. Love is about an open heart, not a closed heart. Love is about putting other other persons first, not oneself.
How often I see, even preachers, bragging. The truth is, if we do something good, all credit should go to God. If we do something bad, all blame should be put upon ourselves.
“[Love] is not rude” (verse 5).
If you’re being rude to another person, know that you’re not being loving. And furthermore, you’re not being God-like. Holiness is about being all loving.
“[Love] is not self-seeking” (verse 5).
The opposite of sin is love. Sin is self-seeking. Love is not self-seeking. The law is love, therefore, the breaking of the law is self-seeking. It’s putting our interest before God’s and others.
“[Love] is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]” (verse 5).
How often we are easily provoked, overly sensitive, and too quick to get upset. I confess, I still have work to do. How about you.
I’m a tender heart, so I tend to be overly sensitive. Things that would not bother. Some people, bother me. But I’ve learned that to be bothered means self is still there, alive and well.
“[Love] does not take into account a wrong endured” (verse 5).
Unforgiveness is taking into account a wrong one has suffered. It is holding that against the person. Love does not do that. Love forgives. Forgiveness means not holding it against them any longer.
“[Love] does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]” (verse 6).
Love does not rejoice when Injustice prevails. This especially applies to those that are immigrants, strangers, and those we disagree with. Injustice is not limited to what affects us, but it includes what affects others. Especially the marginalized.
“Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]” (verse 7).
Love looks for the best in each person. It doesn’t ignore the negative, but it looks for the positive. And tries to bring out the best in every person. Because there is, a potentiality in everyone for good.
Love bears all things regardless of what comes. He remains steadfast during difficult times. And it endures difficulties without weakening. Love never fails
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