4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 KJV)
Commentary
The apostle, in these verses, describes and commends the nature and effects of charity (love), so that we may examine ourselves to see if we have this grace, and, if not, seek to obtain it. It is an excellent virtue with many good qualities.
It is long-suffering. It can endure evil, injury, and provocation without resentment, indignation, or revenge (1 Corinthians 13:4). It makes the mind firm, giving it power over angry passions and patience to wait and hope for a brother’s reformation rather than reacting in anger. It bears many slights and neglects from those it loves and waits patiently to see the fruit of such endurance.
It is kind. It is generous, courteous, and ready to do good. The law of kindness is in its words; its heart is large, and its hand open. It seeks opportunities to show favor and do good, being patient under injuries and inclined to perform every good deed within its power.
Charity suppresses envy. It is not grieved at the good of others, whether their gifts, virtues, honors, or possessions. If we love our neighbor, we will not envy their welfare but rejoice in it. Their blessings increase our joy rather than diminish it. Envy springs from ill-will, but the prosperity of those we love brings us happiness (Romans 12:15).
Charity subdues pride and vain glory. It “does not boast, it is not proud” (1 Corinthians 13:4). It is not arrogant, insolent, or contemptuous. Those animated by brotherly love “in honor prefer one another” (Romans 12:10). They “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). True love values others and limits self-esteem, preventing arrogance. Charity also avoids stirring up strife; it calms passions rather than raising them. It does not act perversely, deceitfully, or stubbornly. It abhors hypocrisy and flattery, which are contrary to sincere love.
Charity behaves with decency. “It does not behave rudely” (1 Corinthians 13:5). It does nothing improper or disgraceful. It treats everyone appropriately—showing respect to superiors, kindness to inferiors, and courtesy to all. It maintains order and acts fittingly in every situation.
Charity is not selfish. It “seeks not its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5). It does not selfishly pursue its own praise, honor, profit, or pleasure. Reasonable self-love is natural, but charity does not seek its own to the harm of others. It often prefers the welfare of others to its own and promotes the good of the community above personal advantage. It would not enrich or gratify itself at the expense of others.
Charity restrains the passions. It “is not easily provoked” (1 Corinthians 13:5). It corrects sharpness of temper, softening the mind so that anger is slow to rise and quick to subside. Where love reigns, wrath cannot dwell. It is hard to stay angry with those we love, and easy to forgive and be reconciled (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Charity thinks no evil. It “keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5). It harbors no malice or desire for revenge. It is not suspicious or eager to think ill of others. Love “covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8), hiding faults when possible rather than exposing them. It does not form bad opinions on mere appearances but gives the best interpretation it can. It is reluctant to believe evil and always prefers to think well of others.
Charity rejoices in the right things. “It does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). It takes no pleasure in wrongdoing or in the sins and failures of others. The sins of others grieve a charitable heart rather than entertain it. It rejoices to see the gospel spread and people transformed by its truth. It delights in seeing honesty, justice, faith, and godliness flourish.
Charity bears all things and endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:7). It covers sins when possible and patiently bears injuries without seeking revenge. It sustains all manner of trials—slander, persecution, imprisonment, or even death—for the sake of love and righteousness. True love gives strength and courage to endure all hardship for the beloved’s good.
Charity believes and hopes well of others. It “believes all things, hopes all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Love does not destroy prudence but is inclined to think the best of others when possible. It believes well where there is room for hope and stretches its faith to maintain a kind opinion. When it cannot believe well, it still hopes well, wishing for the repentance and amendment even of the worst.
How lovely and admirable is Christian charity! Blessed is the one who has this heavenly grace glowing in the heart, flowing from the lips, and shown in deeds of kindness. How beautiful Christianity would appear to the world if all who profess it were governed by this divine principle and obeyed the command of Christ: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).