Short Bible Study with me about 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Introduction
Welcome! In today’s short bible study, we’ll uncover the profound depths of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, one of the most quoted passages in the Bible. We will journey together into understanding what love truly means as defined by God, and how this understanding can revolutionize our relationships, our perceptions of self and others, and our connection to God.
As Christians, we believe that God is love, and that understanding His love for us is crucial to our faith. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is easy to forget the true essence of love and view it only as an emotion. However, as we’ll see, love is much more than a feeling – it is actively lived out in our everyday actions and decisions.
Bible Verse
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Meaning
In these verses, Apostle Paul is giving the Corinthians a detailed description of what genuine Christian love looks like. Love, as he defines it, is selfless and sacrificial, indicating that love is not just a feeling but an action – a choice to put others before ourselves.
“Love is patient, love is kind,” tells us that love is about more than just transient emotions; it is about character and patience in the face of trials. It’s about being kind even when people don’t deserve it.
“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres,” is a powerful statement about resilience. Love doesn’t give up easily. It trusts, hopes and hangs in there, even when circumstances are tough and heart-breaking.
Actions to Take
- Make a conscious decision to be patient and kind with everyone, not just those closest to you.
- Work towards not relying on your feelings to love, but commit to love as an act of will.
- Practice forgiveness and let go of past wrongs.
- Rejoice in the truth in every situation, not in wrongdoing.
- Aim to protect, trust, hope, and persevere even during difficult times.
Journal Prompts
- What are some specific ways I can be more patient and kind this week?
- How can I practice love as an act of will, not based on my feelings?
- Who do I need to forgive and let go of past wrongs against?
- How can I rejoice in truth more often?
- What are some ways I can embody love’s protection, trust, hope, and perseverance?
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for showing us what true love looks like through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to love others with the same depth and unselfishness as Christ loved the church. Teach me to be patient and kind, to not envy or boast, and to always protect, trust, hope, and persevere. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts
- “Love is patient, love is kind. How are you showing Christ’s love to those around you today? #LoveLikeChrist”
- “Choosing to love not based on feelings, but as an act of will. #LivingOutLove”
- “Practicing forgiveness and letting go of past wrongs. It’s not always easy, but it’s a courageous act of authentic love. #HealingThroughLove”
- “Rejoicing in truth today. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth! #RejoiceInTruth”
- “Embodying love’s protection, trust, hope, and perseverance – even in the hard times. Love never gives up! #PerseveringLove”
Conclusion
In this study of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we’ve discovered that love is a choice, an action, and a commitment to put others before ourselves, to be patient, kind, forgiving, and to always persevere. As we strive to embody these qualities of love in our own lives, we bear witness to the love of Christ to those around us.
Thank you for spending your precious time with us on this journey of understanding love. We are excited to continue our explorations in God’s word with you here at BGodInspired.com.
Journaling – Your Pathway to Purposeful Mornings!
Q&A about 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Question: What attributes of love are described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7?
Answer: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes love as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not dishonoring others, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and keeping no record of wrongs. Love finds no pleasure in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
