In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, the Apostle Paul provides a timeless description of love, often recited in weddings and revered for its beauty and depth. When we look at each phrase through the lens of God’s character, we see that Paul’s description of love reflects God’s nature. This passage becomes not only a model for how we should love others but also a profound reflection of who God is and the love He offers. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that love, by its very nature, is a choice and cannot be forced. God’s love for us is freely given, and He invites—rather than compels—us to respond in kind.
1. “Love is patient”
God’s patience embodies His choice to love us consistently, giving us ample time to respond to Him. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” This patience reflects God’s hope that we will freely choose to respond to His love.
2. “Love is kind”
God’s kindness is woven throughout Scripture, even as He leaves the choice of acceptance up to us. Titus 3:4-5 says, “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Through Jesus, God demonstrated kindness as a choice, even knowing not all would reciprocate.
3. “Love is not jealous”
Paul’s statement that “love is not jealous” may seem confusing since God calls Himself a “jealous God” in Exodus 20:5 and Deuteronomy 4:24. The distinction is that, in 1 Corinthians 13:4, the Greek word zeloo (ζηλόω) for “envy” implies rivalry or insecurity, emotions that often stem from selfishness. God’s jealousy, however, is described with the Hebrew word qanna (קַנָּא), a holy and protective commitment to His people. God’s jealousy is not coercive or competitive; it expresses His desire for our wellbeing.
In the New Testament, the Greek word zelos reflects a similar protective “godly jealousy.” In 2 Corinthians 11:2, Paul expresses a “godly jealousy” (theou zelos) for the Corinthians, hoping to keep them devoted to Christ. This is a protective, relational love—God’s, in turn, seeks to preserve us from harm, though He leaves us free to choose devotion.
4. “Love does not brag, it is not arrogant”
In His choice to love us, God displays humility. Philippians 2:6-7 says that Jesus, “as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant.” In His love, God humbled Himself, inviting us to choose to love Him in return.
5. “Love does not act disgracefully”
Isaiah 43:4 reflects this honoring love: “Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you.” God respects our dignity, never forcing our devotion. Instead, His love honors us and extends the invitation to honor Him by our own choice.
6. “Love does not seek its own benefit”
John 3:16 shows us, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son.” God’s love is sacrificial, seeking only our good. Rather than controlling us, He chose to give His Son, making our love a free response rather than an obligation.
7. “Love is not provoked”
Exodus 34:6 describes God as “compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth.” God’s love is patient, not demanding. He gives us the time and freedom to turn to Him willingly, knowing that a love freely chosen has greater depth.
8. “Love does not keep an account of a wrong suffered”
Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our wrongdoings from us.” God’s forgiveness is given freely, creating the possibility for a loving relationship based on grace and acceptance rather than fear or control.
9. “Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth”
God loves truth and righteousness, but He leaves the decision to pursue these values in our hands. Psalm 33:4-5 affirms this: “For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” Our choice to walk in truth is an expression of our love for Him.
10. “Love keeps every confidence”
Psalm 91:4 says, “He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may take refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and wall.” God’s love is protective, watching over us. His protection invites us to trust Him, choosing to rest in His care.
11. “Love believes all things”
Deuteronomy 7:9 reveals, “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His faithfulness to a thousand generations for those who love Him and keep His commandments.” God’s steadfast love is a constant, yet He leaves us free to choose trust in Him.
12. “Love hopes all things”
Jeremiah 29:11 shows God’s hope for humanity: “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” Though God hopes for our response, He honors our choice, allowing us to respond to His love voluntarily.
13. “Love endures all things”
In Lamentations 3:22-23, we read, “The LORD’S acts of mercy indeed do not end, For His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” God’s love is steadfast and enduring, waiting patiently for our response.
Conclusion: Love Is a Choice, and God Is Love
The love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 reflects God’s character, embodying patience, humility, kindness, and steadfastness. 1 John 4:8 reminds us, “God is love.” His love is freely given to us, not forced or demanding. Through Jesus, God demonstrated the depth of His love on the cross, extending a profound invitation. But, true to the nature of love, He leaves the choice to us—never demanding or coercing. Each characteristic Paul describes is a quality of God’s love for us, one that opens the door for us to respond freely, knowing that authentic love is best expressed when it’s chosen, not compelled.
God’s love is perfect, inviting us to love Him in return out of a genuine desire to reflect the love He has first shown us. In the end, love—like faith—is a choice, and God’s love remains, waiting with open arms for our hearts to choose Him.
Jesus Home Ministries 