The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, which was facing several problems in its Christian community. In this chapter 13, Paul highlights the importance of love as the most important and essential virtue for a fruitful and successful Christian life. Let’s explore the meaning and practical application of agape love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
The New Commandment
Agape love is a central concept in the Bible, being one of the most important virtues for Christians. In John 13:34-35 , Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Agape love is the practical expression of the love Jesus showed for us by sacrificing himself on the cross.
What is Agape Love?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 gives us a detailed description of what agape love is: “Love is patient and kind; love is not envious; love does not take lightly, is not puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not suspect evil; not slack with injustice, but slack with the truth; everything suffers, everything believes, everything hopes, everything supports.”
Suffering and Benign
Agape love is long-suffering and kind. True love is able to endure and deal with difficulties and tribulations without losing patience or hope. Love is also kind, kind, and generous, being able to sacrifice itself for the sake of others.
- 2 Timothy 2:24-25: “And the servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but be gentle toward all, able to teach, long-suffering; in meekness instructing those who resist, to see if haply God will give them repentance to know the truth.”
He is not envious or frivolous
Agape love is not envious and does not take lightly. Instead of envying others, love rejoices in the happiness of others and does not see them as competitors. Love is also responsible, serious and dedicated, avoiding frivolous and irresponsible behavior.
- Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing through selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility; let each consider others better than himself. Don’t look each one to what is his own, but each one also to what belongs to others.
It is neither Superb nor Indecent
Agape love is not puffed up and does not behave indecently. Love is humble, modest and respectful, avoiding pride.
Proverbs 11:2: “When pride comes, then dishonor comes, but with the humble is wisdom.”
Doesn’t Seek Out Interests, Doesn’t Get Irritated, Doesn’t Suspect Evil
Agape love does not seek its own interests, is not easily angered, and does not suspect evil of others. Love is unselfish, patient and does not harbor resentment or distrust. Love is able to forgive and seek reconciliation instead of feeding anger and hurt.
- Philippians 2:1-4: “ If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort from love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender affections and compassions, make my joy full, that ye may be likewise, having the same love , the same spirit, feeling the same thing. Do nothing out of strife or vainglory, but in humility; let each consider others better than himself. Don’t look each one to what is his own, but each one also to what belongs to others.
Do Not Rejoice With Injustice, But Rejoice With The Truth
Agape love does not rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth. Love is fair and true, always seeking integrity and honesty. Love opposes sin and lies, but seeks holiness and truth in all things.
- 1 John 1:5-7: “And this is the message which we heard from him and proclaimed to you, that God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Everything Suffers, Everything Believes, Everything Hopes, Everything Supports
Agape love is able to bear everything, believe everything, hope everything and endure everything. Love is persevering and trusting, never giving up or losing faith. Love is strong and able to face any challenge or difficulty, trusting God in all circumstances.
- Romans 8:24-25: “For in hope we were saved. Well, hope that is seen is not hope; for what one sees, how does one expect? But if we hope for what we do not see, we patiently wait for it.”
Conclusion
Agape love is the most important and essential virtue for Christians. It is through love that we demonstrate our identity as disciples of Christ and are enabled to live a full and fruitful life. May we be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in our love, that we may love as Christ loved us.
