Love vs. Lust — What's the Difference — In Biblical Context
Love seeks the good of another in self-giving commitment; lust seeks the gratification of self at another's expense. Love builds up; lust consumes.
Love seeks the good of another in self-giving commitment; lust seeks the gratification of self at another's expense. Love builds up; lust consumes.
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Love seeks the good of another in self-giving commitment; lust seeks the gratification of self at another's expense. Love builds up; lust consumes.\n\nScripture sets out the truth plainly. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 declares: "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." This is the anchor of the answer.\n\nMatthew 5:28 confirms and broadens the picture: "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." When believers understand the distinction, confusion fades and obedience clarifies. Both ideas are grounded in God's character and meet ultimately in the person and work of Christ.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, sits inside 1 Corinthians 13. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil."
Supporting Passages
"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."
"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
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