How Should I Love Others?
Does loving others come naturally to you, or do you find it difficult? 1 Corinthians 13, often called “The Love Chapter,” offers a profound guide on how to express love to others.
1 Corinthians 13-14
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Does loving others come naturally to you, or do you find it difficult?
1 Corinthians 13, often called “The Love Chapter,” offers a profound guide on how to express love to others. Considering that the previous chapter discusses the use of spiritual gifts, we can better understand the main thrust of Paul’s words. As Craig Blomberg writes, “Whatever inspiration it may have as a self-contained poem or hymn to love, Paul intended it to be used to help solve the specific problem of the destructive manner in which the Corinthians were using their spiritual gifts.”[1] This is why Paul says in verses 1-3,
1 If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.
The apostle Paul describes love as patient and kind, free from boastfulness, arrogance, or rudeness. Love does not insist on its own way or take pleasure in wrongdoing. Paul then outlines five aspects of love in verse 7 that build upon each other. He writes that true love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
To “bear all things” means shielding and protecting others. This doesn’t imply hiding sin but involves choosing not to expose or exploit others’ shortcomings. Genuine love avoids exploiting others' flaws, extending to them the benefit of the doubt we hope others will grant us.
To “believe all things” means actively looking for the good in others. This doesn’t mean being naïve. Rather, it involves seeking reasons to think well of others and speak positively about them. Love sees the good before the bad, assuming innocence until proven otherwise.
To “hope all things” means that even when we have little reason to believe in someone, love holds on to hope. This hope is grounded in God's faithfulness, trusting in his redemptive work in people’s lives. When others give up, we continue to hope and pray for transformation.
To “endure all things” means having a love that withstands trials without giving up. It remains patient, enduring through criticism, resentment, and harsh words. Love isn’t ego-driven; it speaks up for the afflicted without mistreating others out of personal pride or revenge.
