1 Corinthians 13:4 · KJV
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,"
King James Version
What does 1 Corinthians 13:4 mean? →Passage Context
Devotional Reflection
Love is not about me, but about other people. Each of these characteristics of love is based on a caring, forgiving, and kind attitude that sees the value in others and not just in myself and my own wants. That's why the old saying "The middle of sin is a big I!" makes sense. When "I" become more important than other people and when what "I" want and what "I" win are more important than what someone else really needs, "I" have lost my way and don't show the love of Christ.
Prayer
Teach me to notice and value others in the same way that you do, Holy God and Sacrificial Father. I am aware that you chose to love and redeem me even though I was unlovable. Please help me to look away from myself and see others as you do. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
Love is not about me, but about other people. Each of these characteristics of love is based on a caring, forgiving, and kind attitude that sees the value in others and not just in myself and my own wants. That's why the old saying "The middle of sin is a big 'I'!" makes sense. When "I" become more important than others, and what "I" desire and that "I" win is more crucial than what someone else actually needs, then "I" have lost my way and do not demonstrate the love of Christ.
Prayer
Holy God and Sacrificing Father, teach me to notice others and value them as much as You do. I know You loved me when I didn't deserve it and saved me when I didn't deserve it. Help me take my eyes off myself and look at other people the way You do. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions
What does love mean to you in your relationships?
How can you practice kindness in your daily life?
When have you struggled to be patient with someone?
Life Application
Make a conscious effort to show kindness and patience in your interactions with others.
Reflect on how you can embody the qualities of love described in this verse.
Connection to Jesus
This verse describes the nature of love, which reflects the character of Jesus, who embodied perfect love and kindness.
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