The Attributes Of Love Series

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.