August 16
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WHAT AGAPE LOVE IS
4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. 5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, 6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
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In this exposition, Paul defines to the Corinthian believers what love is and what it is not. Previously, Paul mentioned that we are nothing if we do not have love (agape). In these passages, he clearly illustrates what constitute this unconditional love which is very different from the worldly view of love.
In verse 4, he uses the virtues of patience and kindness as a manifestation of agape love. He contrasts what its opposite which is envious or jealous. When a person exhibits agape love, there is no room for comparison who is better or not. There is acceptance of the other person and there are no expectations which usually leads to frustration and impatience and unkindness. In the same verse, he also mentions that it does not boast about things and is not proud, but humble.
In verse 5, Paul paints a clearer picture of love in the context of forgiveness and sacrificial giving and thinking of others instead of oneself. He says that love always gives grace and mercy as they have received from God. It does not self promote or seek one’s own agenda. It does not easy get angered or keep a record of what has been done to him or her. In other words, forgiveness erases the offense done to you.
In verse 6, the focus on truth is emphasized. Paul says that if someone is truly loving, they do not tolerate evil and sin, but promotes righteousness and truth. Love is not letting others go on with their sin, but leads them into the truth found in God’s word.
In verse 7, love means that you cover up for others’ weaknesses and have faith that God is working in them and never give up or lose hope in whatever situation you experience. Instead, agape love makes us focus on the growth we can get from suffering. Love means that you are not avoiding hardships and trials, but that you embrace it as it is a form of suffering that may lead us to endure and never give up. Endurance leads to growth and eventually, spiritual maturity.
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REFLECTION
• How is the concept of love different from agape love that Paul is describing in this letter to the Corinthians?