THE ATTRIBUTES OF LOVE
I Corinthians 13:4-8
(Antioch Baptist Church: Sunday, March 22nd, 2026)
1 Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the "Love Chapter" of the Bible. These thirteen verses are widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and profound discourses on love in human history. In this passage, we learn that love is far more than mere emotional affection. Rather, love is an action; it is a set of choices and attitudes, that ultimately never fails.
Paul introduces this chapter in the closing verse of Chapter 12. There he says, “earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way” (I Corinthians 12:31). We cannot divorce chapter 13 from its surrounding context; this chapter is a crucial and continuous part of Paul’s argument that begins in chapter twelve and continues in chapter fourteen.
The Believers in the Church at Corinth possessed and exhibited various spiritual gifts including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation. Though their gifts were admirable, there was a major problem in this Church; the members were severely lacking in love.
In chapter twelve, Paul speaks to the fact that the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts for the building up of the body. Therefore, spiritual gifts are intended to unify, not divide. Sadly, in Corinth, many who possessed spiritual gifts used them for public display, personal elevation, and self-gratification, rather than for the benefit of their brothers and sisters. As a result of this offence, Paul spends some time describing the attributes of agape love.
As Christians, it is important for us to understand agape love as a way of life, lived in imitation of our Savior. Such love is not focused not on oneself, instead, it is focused on the good of others.
The actions and attitudes of the Corinthians was evidence of a lack of spiritual maturity and genuine Christian love. According to 19th-century theologian Charles Hodge, the negative traits exhibited by the Corinthians included being impatient, discontented, envious, inflated, selfish, indecorous (rude), unmindful of the feelings and interests of others, suspicious, resentful, and censorious (critical).
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul draws a contrast between these negative traits and the true nature of love. In verses 4-8 the Apostle tells us What Love Is and What Love Is Not; he also shows us What Love Does and What Love Does Not Do. I would like for us to examine these verses and see “The Attributes Of Love”
In the first three verses of this chapter Paul declares that even if we possess the most impressive speech, are blessed with the most impressive spiritual gifts, and are willing to offer the most impressive sacrifices, without love, we are nothing!
As Christians, it is important for us to understand, possess, and exhibit the attributes of true love. Fortunately, our selected text records one of the most beautiful, exhaustive, and practical treatise on love in the entire Bible.
It is Paul’s goal to inform the Corinthians (and us) how to “have love”. In verse 4 he describes:
WHAT LOVE IS
The ancient Greeks had four different words that could be translated “love”. “Eros” was a word that referred to sexual love. “Storge” referred to the kind of love there is between family members. “Philio” speaks of a brotherly friendship and affection.
In this chapter when Paul says “love” he is using the Greek word “agape”. “Agape” is a love that loves without changing. It is a self-giving love that gives without demanding or expecting repayment. It is love so great that it can be given to the unlovable or unappealing. It is love that loves even when it is rejected.
- When describing this agape love, Paul says it is patient and kind.
a) LOVE IS PATIENT (v4a)
In declaring that “love is patient”, the Apostle speaks to the reality that love is forbearing, (literally “long-suffering”). This means that if we possess love we will not retaliate against wrongdoings or seek vengeance against our enemies.
Corresponding to this, Paul said in Romans 12:14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them”. He went on to say in verses 17-19 of that chapter, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Genuine love is the kind of love that acts with restraint instead of impulsively reacting to the faults or aggression of others.
Being “patient” is not passively waiting. On the contrary, it is actually an active choice to be kind, trust others, and persevere in all circumstances. Such love is rooted in humility and it is not self-centered.
- Paul also says that:
b) LOVE IS KIND (v4b)
This means that genuine Christian love is merciful and compassionate. It is the kind of love that overcomes evil with good. Again quoting Paul’s discourse in Romans 12, he says, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21).
Truly being “kind” is much more than an emotional feeling. Instead, it is a conscious effort and an active choice to be benevolent and serve others. Kindness implies being useful, gentle, and considerate. This mindset often requires sacrifice on our part. Moreover, kindness acts in the best interest of others, even if it does not benefit us.
Being “patient” and “kind” involves more than begrudgingly tolerating someone in an effort to please Jesus. We all have certain people in our lives who are hard to love. Many of us have jokingly said “I love him/her because Jesus says I have to.” While that sentiment may be somewhat understandable, according to this passage it is not Biblical. Truly being patient and kind requires actively and intentionally seeking to do good for others, even for those we feel might not deserve it.
Sometimes loving others can be extremely difficult. If we are to obey the scriptures and honor our Lord, we must be “patient” and “kind” to all, even those who are hard to love. This means that we will love others even when they cause us pain and heartbreak.
By responding this way, we obey the scriptural directive to “keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). When we extend this kind of patience and kindness, we reflect the love of our God, who is described as being “longsuffering”.
Christian love involves choosing appropriate actions and responses that help other people. This kind of love is “patient” and “kind”. Now that we have seen WHAT LOVE IS, let’s examine:
WHAT LOVE IS NOT
The Apostle declares that love is not arrogant, irritable, rude, or resentful. Let’s consider the fact that:
a. LOVE IS NOT ARROGANT (v4c)
“Arrogant” means “to cause to have an exaggerated self-conception, puff up, make proud.” Why would Paul mention this? Quite possibly because it describes the actions and attitudes of several of the Corinthians. (Ref: I Corinthians 4:18-19)
Agape love is the opposite of arrogance; it associates with the lowly and is not wise in its own sight. (Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.)
True love is humble and focuses on others rather than oneself. It rejects pride, haughtiness, and the need to feel superior to others.It is characterized by humility, kindness, and treating others with respect.
- Corresponding to this, verse 5 says that:
b. LOVE IS NOT RUDE (v5a)
The Greek phrase here could literally be translated “does not act unbecomingly” or “does not act inappropriately.” Love is not indecent and it shows honor to others. Paul said in Romans 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Christian love does not seek to cause problems, and it does not belittle others.
- Intertwined with the fact that love is not rude is the reality that:
c. LOVE IS NOT IRRITABLE (v5c)
This means that true love is not easily provoked. This kind of love is not easily annoyed by the actions of others. Such a person is not easily offended, does not have a quick temper, or respond in anger. If we possess true love we will seek to handle frustrations with patience and grace rather than becoming “irritable”.
- Verse five also shows us that:
d. LOVE IS NOT RESENTFUL (v5d)
“Not resentful” literally means that love “does not count the evil.” Though it is human nature, love does not strive to get even with others. True love does not harbor anger, keep records of wrongs, or harbor grudges. Not being “resentful” implies a willingness to forgive and move forward. It should be our desire to focus on the welfare of others rather than our own selfish grievances.
It is undeniable that true love is not arrogant, irritable, rude, or resentful. Understanding these truths, I ask you to consider your attitude and actions. Can you honestly say that you are not arrogant, irritable, rude, or resentful?
There are moments when our foolish pride tries to take root in our lives. Often, our irritations and frustrations rise to the surface. We all have times where we are irritable and tempted to respond to people and situations in a rude manner.
Without question we all fail in these areas more than we would like to admit. However, there is a difference between a momentary failure and a lifestyle that is marked by these attributes. If you are constantly and unapologetically irritable, rude, and resentful, you do not possess agape love. If you do not love others, you are lost, do not belong to God, and in need of salvation.
It is important for us to remember the context of this passage. Paul is writing to Christians about how they act towards other Christians. It is astonishing how many people within local assemblies simply cannot stand one another. Among some, there is an obvious lack of true love for the brethren.
This highlights the heartbreaking reality that many professing Christians are actually lost sinners. If you don’t believe me, listen to the Apostle John. He said: “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.” (I John 3:14).
Love IS patient and kind. Love IS NOT arrogant, irritable, rude, or resentful. Now, let’s consider:
WHAT LOVE DOES NOT DO
Genuine love does not envy, boast, insist on its own way, rejoice at wrongdoing, and love does not end. A person cannot continuously exhibit these actions and yet claim to love others. First of all we see:
a) LOVE DOES NOT ENVY (v4c)
One who is guilty of covetousness is someone who wants what someone else has. Envy is an even worse offense; one who is envious is angry that someone else has what they want. If we possess genuine love, rather than envying others, we will “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).
True love celebrates the success and blessings of others rather than coveting their position, possessions, opportunities, or gifts.
- Moving on, we see that:
b) LOVE DOES NOT BOAST (v4d)
“Boast” translates a word that means “to heap praise on oneself, or to behave as a braggart”. Covetousness wants what someone else has; “envy” is angry that they have it, and “boasting” is an attempt to make others jealous of what we have. Jealousy puts others down; bragging builds us up. Both of these traits are sinful and uncharacteristic of genuine love.
- Paul goes on to say:
c) LOVE DOES NOT INSIST ON ITS OWN WAY (v5b)
This means that love looks to the interests of others, lives in harmony with others, and as much as possible, it lives peaceably with all. (Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.)
Genuine love is considerate of others rather than demanding personal rights. This means that we will intentionally set aside our own desires in an effort to act for the good of others. This also requires us to avoid any self-seeking behaviors.
- Paul goes on to say that:
d) LOVE DOES NOT REJOICE AT WRONGDOING (v6a)
Instead of “rejoicing at wrongdoing” love “abhors (despises) what is evil” (Romans 12:9). Love finds no pleasure in evil, injustice, or the misfortunes of others. Instead of celebrating immorality or becoming involved in gossip, love delights in truth, integrity, and righteousness. It actively opposes evil and refuses to gloat over someone else's failures.
- Of all of the characteristics of love, perhaps the most astonishing is the fact that:
e) LOVE DOES NOT END (v8a)
There will come a time when “prophecies will pass away”; “tongues will cease”; and “knowledge will pass away”, but “love never ends”. These spiritual gifts are temporary; one day they will no longer be necessary, but love remains and it will last forever! Love never fails, it is never defeated, and it persists against all opposition.
The Corinthians were focused on temporary gifts at the expense of love (which is eternal). How often are we guilty of doing the same in secular life and in the church?
Secularly speaking, we often “envy” the prosperity, possessions, and privileges of others. We don’t just want what they have; we are angry that they have it! There are other times when we are quick to “boast” about our own accomplishments or advantages. We even go so far as to “rejoice in wrongdoing”—if someone takes advantage of or harms one who is our enemy, rather than being grieved, we take pleasure in their pain. There are also instances when we are wronged by someone we once professed to love. Instead of offering grace and forgiveness, we turn away from them and treat them as an enemy. This is not agape love! Agape love never fails; it never ends!
There is no excuse for a Christian to behave this way towards people in secular life. Moreover, it is an even greater offense for us to possess these attitudes and actions towards our brothers and sisters in Christ! This was a major problem in the Church at Corinth and tragically, it is a far too common reality in many churches in the 21st century.
Certain people “envy” the gifts, talents, abilities, and opportunities of others within the Church. They are more than jealous; they are angry that someone has what that they want! Some will even go as far as to attack, slander, and destroy the individual who has become the object of their obsession! Such actions cannot be performed by someone who possesses true love.
Others are quick to “boast” concerning their spiritual and ministerial accomplishments. They want everyone to see their actions, recognize their successes, and to praise them for their achievements and abilities. This is improper and sinful because true love does not “boast”.
Sadly, there is no shortage of people in the church who “insist in their own way”. These are people who have a “my way or the highway” mindset! When things don’t go their way, everyone is going to know about it! This was a problem in Corinth and it is still a problem today, but Paul says that this is not true love!
It is absolutely tragic that Paul had to address the fact that some in Corinth were actively “rejoicing in wrongdoing”. We must ensure that we do not take pleasure in the misfortunes of others. Furthermore, we must never celebrate immorality. This means that we will resist the temptation to become involved in gossip (especially concerning our brothers and sisters in Christ). Instead, those who possess agape love will delight in truth, integrity, and righteousness.
Finally, we must determine that when we are wronged by someone in the church, rather than cutting them off or treating them like an enemy, we must continue to extend love. Why, because agape love never fails; it “never ends”!
- We have seen WHAT LOVE IS, WHAT LOVE IS NOT, and WHAT LOVE DOES NOT DO; finally, let us consider:
WHAT LOVE DOES
Paul says that love rejoices with the truth, it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. These descriptions explain that when we possess true love we will hate what God hates and love what God loves. Paul says that:
a. LOVE REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH (v6b)
This means that genuine love finds joy in honesty, righteousness, and the triumph of good. It implies supporting what is right, promoting integrity, and being glad when moral truth prevails. This is the opposite of the aforementioned “rejoicing in wrongdoing”.
- The Apostle goes on to say:
b. LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS (v7a)
True love helps others carry their burdens in times of great trouble. One who possesses this kind of love believes the best even after shortcomings and offenses. Such love protects others, bears with their faults, shoulders burdens, and perseveres in all circumstances.
- Moving on, we see that:
c. LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGS (v7b)
This does not mean that we are naïve, rather, it refers to a love that assumes the best in others. This means that we are willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Furthermore, “believing all things” means that we are willing to overlook past sins and failures and trust that God is at work in their lives.
- Intertwined with this is the reality that:
d. LOVE HOPES ALL THINGS (v7c)
This is a positive outlook that never gives up on people, expects the best for them, and refuses to see them as a lost cause. We should never give up on a brother or sister, even when they fail mightily!
It is important for us to remember that we are all in the midst of the sanctification process. God is performing a continuing and constant work in us and whether we see it or not, we are all becoming more and more like Jesus. We all want others to bear with us, believe in us, and hope the best for us; shouldn’t we do the same for them?
These are great attributes and are all characteristics of agape love, but they are of no benefit to anyone of they are limited or conditional. This leads us to the fact that:
e. LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGS (v7d)
Agape love holds fast and endures all things at all costs. It stands against overwhelming opposition and refuses to stop bearing or stop believing or stop hoping. Simply stated, true love never ends for any reason!
John Macarthur says, “Love bears what otherwise is unbearable; it believes what otherwise is unbelievable; it hopes in what otherwise is hopeless; and it endures when anything less than love would give up.’ (Source: MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series Book 17, Moody Publishers).
While this is one of the most beautiful portions of scripture in the Bible, it is also one of the most convicting and practical. It is convicting because it shows us what a genuine Christian should look like. Those who are truly born again possess the kind of love that Paul describes in this chapter.
If you do not possess these characteristics, then you are lost and in need of salvation. The wonderful news is that Jesus Christ has the power to save your soul and to transform your life in such a way that you will exhibit the traits that are mentioned in this passage.
These verses are also convicting because they show those of us who are born again the kind of love that we should possess and exhibit. If you are like me, you have seen many actions and attitudes that need immediate attention. It is important for us to take the proper steps to make things right today.
Paul tells us what love is; it is “patient” and “kind”. He tells us what love is not; love is not arrogant, irritable, rude, or resentful. He tells us what love does not do; love does not envy, boast, insist on its own way, rejoice at wrongdoing, and love does not end. Paul tells us what love does; love rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
I encourage you to assess your live and determine whether or not you possess “The Attributes Of Love”.
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