The definition of love

Next, Paul defines love both positively and negatively. (1) The positive definition of love: “Love is patient, love is kind.” (2) The negative definition of love: “it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. 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, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness.” (3) Once again, Paul gives a positive definition of love: “But rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Someone once said that they tried reading this passage by replacing the word “love” with “Jesus.” When we read it that way, the meaning of love indeed becomes much more vivid and personal. The Lord Jesus is love made visible in human flesh. When we look at the Lord Jesus, we see love. When we think of the Lord Jesus, we are thinking about love. And when we follow the Lord Jesus, we are putting love into practice.

The greatest of these is love

As the conclusion of this chapter, Paul writes: “But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1) Prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will one day pass away. They are temporary because they are partial. When that which is perfect comes, what is partial will be done away with. (2) Some interpret the phrase “when the perfect comes” to mean “when the canon of Scripture is completed.” However, in light of the context, that interpretation is unnatural. Rather, it should be understood as referring to the state that will be realized at the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. (3) Our present condition is like that of a child, or like looking at a dim reflection in a mirror. But when the Lord Jesus returns, we will know fully. (4) In the end, faith, hope, and love will remain forever. Of these three virtues, the greatest is love. What is the goal for which you are living? Let’s take time to examine whether that goal is something of eternal value.