1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Meaning & Devotional
"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; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
What This Verse Means
Paul provides the definitive description of genuine love. Rather than defining love as a feeling, he describes it through actions and attitudes. Love is patient and kind. It does not envy, boast, or act rudely. It is not self-seeking or easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.
The fourfold climax — love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things — reveals love's resilience. This is not natural human affection but supernatural, Christ-like love that can only be fully lived out through the Holy Spirit's empowerment.
Historical Context
The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions, pride, and competition over spiritual gifts. Paul wrote this famous 'love chapter' to show that without love, even the most spectacular gifts are worthless. Love is the more excellent way that surpasses all spiritual achievements.
How to Apply This Today
Use this passage as a daily mirror. Replace the word 'charity' (love) with your own name and see where you fall short. Then ask the Holy Spirit to produce this kind of love through you in your relationships.
Related Verses
John 13:34
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Colossians 3:14
"And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."
🙏 A Prayer from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Lord, produce Your love in me. Make me patient, kind, and selfless. Remove envy, pride, and irritability from my heart. Let Your love flow through me to everyone I encounter. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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More Devotionals on Love
Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Luke 6:31
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
1 Corinthians 13:4
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
More Verse Devotionals on Love
Explore more KJV verse meanings, contexts, and applications.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 — Love
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 — Love
- Matthew 22:37-39 — Love
- Luke 6:31 — Love
- John 13:34-35 — Love
- John 13:34 — Love
- Matthew 22:37-39 — Love
- Matthew 5:44 — Love
- Matthew 22:37-39 — Love
- John 13:34 — Love
- Matthew 5:44 — Love
- John 13:34-35 — Love
- Matthew 22:37-39 — Love
- John 13:34-35 — Love
- John 13:34-35 — Love
- Galatians 5:22-23 — Spiritual Growth
- Galatians 5:22-23 — Holy Spirit
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