Bible Verse
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Paul is addressing divisions and pride in the Corinthian church, particularly regarding spiritual gifts. He shows them 'the most excellent way'—love.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
— 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Go deeper with Radiate
Personalized wisdom, AI spiritual guides, and faith journaling.
Other Translations
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
— ESV
"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."
— KJV
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
— NLT
Understanding the Context
Book Context
1 Corinthians 13, the famous 'love chapter,' is sandwiched between chapters on spiritual gifts (12 and 14). Paul argues that without love, even spectacular gifts are worthless.
Historical Background
Written around 55 AD to a church plagued by divisions, immorality, and misuse of spiritual gifts. Paul refocuses them on love as the foundation for all Christian life and ministry.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown
"Love is patient, love is kind"
Patient (makrothumeo) means long-suffering, not quick-tempered. Kind (chresteuomai) means actively benevolent. Love waits graciously and acts graciously. These positive qualities set the foundation.
"It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud"
Three negative traits love rejects: envy (jealousy over others' blessings), boasting (self-promotion), and pride (arrogance). True love is content, humble, and other-focused.
"It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs"
Love respects others, prioritizes others' needs, controls anger, and forgives rather than keeping score. It refuses to hold grudges or catalog offenses.
"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres"
Love aligns with truth and righteousness. Four 'always' statements: protects (bears all things), trusts (believes the best), hopes (maintains expectation), and perseveres (endures). Love never quits.
Key Themes
Applying This Verse to Your Life
- 1
Use these verses as a mirror to examine your love for others—where are you falling short?
- 2
Practice patience with difficult people rather than quick frustration or anger.
- 3
Intentionally celebrate others' successes instead of feeling envious or competitive.
- 4
Choose to forgive and release grudges rather than keeping mental records of wrongs.
- 5
Persevere in loving challenging people, trusting God to work through your faithful love.
Questions for Reflection
- Which quality of love listed here do you most struggle to demonstrate?
- Who in your life needs to experience this kind of patient, persevering love from you?
- Are you keeping a record of wrongs against anyone that needs to be released?
- How would your relationships change if you loved others with these characteristics?
Related Scripture
John 13:34-35
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
Romans 12:9-10
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love."
Ephesians 4:2
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Colossians 3:14
"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Continue Exploring
Related Verses
Related Themes
Take this verse with you
Get daily personalized wisdom, reflect with AI guides, and journal your spiritual growth.
Download Radiate Free