Biblical Characteristics of Love

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures. Love never ends.” -1 Corinthians 13:4-8

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the apostle Paul describes to the Corinthians the characteristics of love. He did it because they were not living the biblical characteristics of love out in their own life. We too can struggle with the same problem from time to time. We can be impatient, discontented, envious, inflated, selfish, unmindful of the feelings and interest of others, and resentful.

These characteristics of love are important in the life of a Christian. Showing love has the power to help control our actions, to overcome hate, to stop the devil’s influence in our life, and to represent God (1 Peter 4:8). God’s love is the perfect example for us to follow because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). God shows us love all the time. He does it by providing food, shelter, life, friends and family.

The power of love can change our life in unexpected ways. It helps us to change our feelings toward others and shows we are really a child of God. That is the reason God commands us to love others no matter what, even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). He wants us to because He and Jesus did (Matthew 5:45). Jesus showed His great love because while we were yet sinners, He died for us (Romans 5:8). He even prayed for the people who nailed Him to the cross and we can do the same (Luke 23:34).

Prayer of the day:

Dear heavenly Father,

You are the perfect example of love. When we read the characteristics of love, it shows who You are. You are patient and kind. You are not jealous like us but jealous in a good way because You want all the glory Yourself. You do not brag and are not prideful. You are not rude, selfish, and are slow to get upset. Because of Jesus, You do not count up our wrongs that we have done and are willing to forgive. That is why we do not want to take pleasure in doing evil and rejoice in the truth. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!