True Love

Dick Mayhue in his commentary on 1 Thessalonians (FOCUS Publications) list these qualities characterize authentic, biblical love according to the Apostle Paul as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. He then promises, ‘Love never fails’ (13:8). Test yourself and see how you measure up to truly loving others.

1. ‘Love suffers long.’ Therefore, I will bear with a person’s worst behavior, without retaliation, regardless of the circumstances.
2. ‘Love is kind.’ Therefore, I will diligently seek ways to be actively useful in another person’s life.
3. ‘Love does not envy.’ Therefore, I will delight in the esteem and honor given to someone else.
4. ‘Love does not parade itself.’ Therefore, I will not draw attention to myself exclusive of others.
5. ‘Love is not puffed up.’ Therefore, I know I am no more important than others.
6. ‘Love does not behave rudely.’ Therefore, I will not engage any person in ungodly activity.
7. ‘Love does not seek its own.’ Therefore, I will be others oriented.
8. ‘Love is not provoked.’ Therefore, I will not resort to anger as a solution to difficulties between myself and others.
9. ‘Love thinks no evil.’ Therefore, I will never keep an account due on others.
10. ‘Love does not rejoice in iniquity.’ Therefore, I will never delight in another’s unrighteous behavior, nor will I join its expression.
11. ‘Love rejoices in the truth.’ therefore, I will find great joy when truth prevails in another’s life.
12. ‘Love bears all things.’ Therefore, I will be publicly silent about another’s faults.
13. ‘Love believes all things.’ Therefore, I will express unshakable confidence and trust in others.
14. ‘Love hopes all things.’ Therefore, I will confidently expect future victory in another’s life, regardless of the present imperfections.
15. ‘Love endures all things.’ Therefore, I will outlast every assault of Satan to break up relationships.