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D. Love Does Not Boast (13:4d)

Fourth, love does not boast.

Paul said in verse 4d: “Love does not… boast.”

Paul’s word for boast (perpereuomai) appears only here in the New Testament, and the meaning seems to be “bragging without foundation.” Loving other people does not mean failing to acknowledge the good God has done in oneself and in others. Paul was not beyond complimenting the Corinthians. He even asserted his own standing on occasion. Love does not mean lying about human accomplishments. Rather, it means not exalting ourselves over others as if our accomplishments were based on our own merit and ability.

E. Love Is Not Arrogant (13:4e)

Fifth, love is not arrogant.

Paul said in verse 4e: “Love… is not arrogant.”

To be arrogant is to be overly self-confident or insubordinate to God and others. Arrogance is the source of much destruction and pain in the world. When one cares about other people, he does not find himself full of self-importance or arrogance toward others.

G. Love Is Not Rude (13:5a)

Sixth, love is not rude.

Paul said in verse 5a: “Love… is not… rude.”

Paul at least expressed the need to follow customary decorum. The definitions of “rude” vary from culture to culture. At the heart of rudeness is a disregard for the social customs that others have adopted. When one does not concern himself with the likes and dislikes of others, he shows a disrespect for them. Proper regard, on the other hand, indicates love for other people.

H. Love Does Not Insist on Its Own Way (13:5b)

Seventh, love does not insist on its own way.

Verse 5b: “Love… does not insist on its own way.”

Paul probably had in mind here the practice of always putting oneself in first place without due consideration of others. Many situations in life call upon Christians to choose between benefit to themselves and to others. The loving person puts the benefit of others over his or her own good. Paul exemplified this practice when he refused to receive money for his work as an apostle (9:6-15). Jesus’ humiliation was the greatest expression of putting others’ benefit above one’s own (Philippians 2:4-8).

I. Love Is Not Irritable (13:5c)

Eighth, love is not irritable.

Paul said in verse 5c: “Love… is not irritable.”

Those who love others do not become irritated and angry when others do wrong, but rather are slow to anger. They are patient. Still, there are times when anger is appropriate. Paul himself became angry when he saw the idols of Athens (Acts 17:16). Jesus became angry when he saw people’s hardness of heart (Mark 3:5) and the money changers in the temple (John 2:14-17).

J. Love Is Not Resentful (13:5d)

Ninth, love is not resentful.

Paul said in verse 5d: “Love… is not… resentful.”

The word for resentful has the connotation of “keeping a record.” People who love others do not keep meticulous records of offenses. They offer forgiveness repeatedly. Both Jesus (Luke 23:34) and Stephen (Acts 7:60) demonstrated this type of love by forgiving the people who put them to death.

K. Love Does Not Rejoice at Wrongdoing (13:6a)