Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. – 1 Corinthians 13:4

Today's Scripture Reading (February 20, 2021): 1 Corinthians 13

Ancient Chinese Philosopher Lao Tzu argued that "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." In both, Lao Tzu seems to be arguing that love is more than just a feeling; more than just a vulnerability brought on by an emotional state. Strength and courage are tangible assets. With strength and courage, we can change the world around us. Without them, we are doomed to live in a world that shapes us and condemns us. Without strength and courage, we can do very little.

In case the Corinthians might wonder what exactly Paul was speaking of when he referred to love, the Apostle proceeds to describe to the Corinthians the concept of love in concrete terms. Love is patient and kind. It does not envy or boast, and love is never proud. Love is visible in our actions. And if these attributes are not present in our lives, then you do not love.  

Peter told his readers that "the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). People were becoming frustrated that the return of Jesus was taking longer than they expected. Peter explains that the delay is partly because God is patient. Paul would argue that this patience is evidence of his love. Because God loves the world, he is patient, delaying the return of Jesus.

Love cannot remain a theory. The words "I love you" are nice to hear, but real love needs to go beyond just the words. Love is seen in this world through the patience and kindness of those who love. If I react with impatience, then I am not reacting with love. When I am unkind to those around me, then I do not love. When I am envious, or boastful, or prideful, I cannot argue that I am reacting with love.

John Chrysostom, the archbishop of Constantinople, argued in the late fourth century or early fifth century that the word μακροθυμέω (makrothymeo), translated as patience in 1 Corinthians 13, is used in the context of a person who is wronged and can get revenge on the one who has perpetuated the wrong and brought injury, but who also refuses to use that power. That person is showing a practical love to the world.

Love is an action; it is not passive, and it does not reside merely in the words that we say. The world sees love in the activities that we take and the ones upon which we refuse to act. And if we say that we love, but our actions do not show love, then the world will understand that our words are really just a lie that we tell. But when we get our love right, then we become a people in possession of strength because we have received love, and that is courageous because we have given love.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 14

Personal Note: Happy Birthday to my grandsons, William and Henry