1 Corinthians 13:4

1 Corinthians 13:4 in the New King James Version (NKJV): 

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not [a]puffed up; 

Footnotes a. arrogant 

This verse is part of the Apostle Paul’s discourse on love in 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the “Love Chapter”. It provides a profound and comprehensive definition of love from a Christian perspective. 

Love Suffers Long and is Kind. The phrase “suffers long” translates the Greek word “makrothumei”, which means to be patient or to endure. In the context of Christian living, this refers to the ability to endure wrongs and provocations without becoming impatient or resentful. The kindness mentioned here refers to the active doing of good towards others, even when they may not deserve it. 

Love Does Not Envy. Envy is a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another’s advantages, success, possessions, etc. Christian love does not begrudge others their success but rejoices with them. 

Love Does Not Parade Itself, Is Not Puffed Up. These phrases speak to the issue of pride and arrogance. Love does not boast about its achievements, nor does it inflate its own importance. It is humble and seeks to elevate others rather than itself. 

In terms of its application to modern Christian living, this verse calls Christians to exhibit these characteristics of love in their interactions with others. It challenges believers to be patient and kind, to rejoice in the success of others, and to maintain humility. 

This understanding aligns with the teachings of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, which emphasises the sovereignty of God in all aspects of life and the necessity of grace in enabling believers to live according to God’s commands. As the Heidelberg Catechism, a key document in Reformed Christianity, states in Question and Answer 86, “We can do no good at all apart from the Holy Spirit’s work in us.” 

Therefore, the ability to love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4 is seen not as a human achievement, but as a result of God’s transforming work in the believer’s life. This understanding should inspire humility and dependence on God’s grace among Christians as they seek to live out these commands. 

In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 13:4 provides a powerful and challenging description of Christian love. Its teachings are as relevant today as they were when the Apostle Paul first penned them, calling believers to a high standard of love in their relationships with others. This love is not a human accomplishment, but a fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work in the believer’s life. As such, it should drive Christians to a deeper dependence on God’s grace as they seek to live out these commands.