Note 7 at 1 Cor. 13:4: In verses 4-8, Paul gives the most detailed description in words of God's kind of love recorded in scripture. He says what God's kind of love is (long suffering, kind), what it is not (envious, self promoting, prideful), how it does not act (unseemly, selfish, easily provoked, thinking on evil, rejoicing in iniquity), and how it does act (rejoices in truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things). He sums it all up in verse 8 by saying God's kind of love never fails.

These verses can be used as a check list for us to see whether or not we are really operating in God's kind of love. Sometimes we think we have done everything possible, but have we really used God's kind of love? These are the characteristics of God's love. Are they ours?

Note 8 at 1 Cor. 13:4: Longsuffering comes from two Greek words "makros," meaning "long," and "thumos," meaning "temper." Longsuffering is the quality of bearing with and being long-tempered. It is the nature of being self-restrained in the face of being provoked, and is the opposite of anger and associated with mercy (W.E. Vine). It is a description of God's love (1 Cor. 13:4) and a manifestation of His Spirit (Gal. 5:22). We may thus conclude that God's love has a tolerance for, and endures trying situations and persons beyond an average standard. God's love is patient.

Note 9 at 1 Cor. 13:4: The synonyms kind, kindly, kindhearted, benign, benevolent, gracious, and compassionate are adjectives that "apply to persons and their actions when they show evidence of concern or sympathy for others. Kind and kindly are approximately interchangeable in describing persons and their natures; with reference to acts that reflect consideration or sympathy...kindhearted especially suggests an innate tendency to behave in such manner. Benign implies gentleness by nature; benevolent, charitableness and desire to promote others' welfare; gracious, courtesy and warmth, especially to those at a disadvantage; and compassionate, a tendency to be moved to pity easily" (American Heritage Dict., p. 721).

It seems that we're always wanting to do something for God, but the scripture teaches us not to despise the small things (Zec. 4:8-10). In other words, do not despise doing small acts of kindness day in and day out. It is the accumulation of these small deeds of kindness that makes true and lasting happiness for us all. Jesus said in John 13:17, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." In other words, it takes "knowing" the principles of love and their expressions, then doing them to bring forth happiness. What a wonderful world it would be if we all learned just this one principle "love is kind" (1 Cor. 13:4).

Note 10 at 1 Cor. 13:4: Many problems arise from envy. James said, "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" (Jas. 3:16). Envy and strife go hand in hand and open the door for anything the devil desires to do in our life. Some people would never give place to the devil through confessing the wrong things, and yet through envy they give the enemy freedom to do his worst.

God's kind of love is not envious or jealous because it doesn't seek it's own, but the welfare of others. Envy is an indication of self-centeredness.

Note 11 at 1 Cor. 13:4: This means God's kind of love does not brag about, or promote self. A braggart is not operating in God's kind of love.

As with every one of these characteristics of God's kind of love, Jesus is the ultimate example. Jesus told many people not to make Him known (see note 3 at Lk. 5:14, p. 142). The King of kings and Lord of lords came to earth in an unassuming way, being born in a stable to humble parents. After His resurrection, He never appeared to any unbeliever. He only revealed Himself to those who were already His followers (see note 1 at Mk. 16:9, p. 574). Truly, Jesus was "meek and lowly in heart" (Mt. 11:29).

Note 12 at 1 Cor. 13:4: This is another reference to pride (see note 11 at this verse).