Note 7 at 1Co 13:4: In 1Co 13:4-8, Paul gave, in words, the most detailed description of God's kind of love recorded in Scripture. He said 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 summed it all up in 1Co 13:8 by saying that God's kind of love never fails.

These verses can be used as a checklist 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 1Co 13:4: The Greek word for "suffereth long," "MAKROTHUMEO," comes from the combination of two words, "MAKROS" and "THUMOS." MAKROS means "long" (Strong's Concordance), and THUMOS means temper. Long-suffering is the quality of bearing with and being long-tempered. It is the nature of being self-restrained in the face of being provoked, the opposite of anger, and associated with mercy (Vine's Expository Dictionary). It is a description of God's love (this verse) and a manifestation of His Spirit (Ga 5:22). We may thus conclude that God's love has a tolerance for and endures trying situations and people beyond an average standard. God's love is patient.

Note 9 at 1Co 13:4: The synonyms "kind," "kindly," "kindhearted," "benign," and "benevolent" are adjectives that "mean having or showing a considerate and helping nature. 'Kind' and 'kindly' are the least specific. 'Kindhearted' suggests an innately kind disposition. 'Benign' implies gentleness and mildness. 'Benevolent' suggests charitableness and a desire to promote the welfare or happiness of others" (American Heritage Dictionary).

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 Joh 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 and 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."

Note 10 at 1Co 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 people's lives. Some people would never give place to the devil through confessing the wrong things, 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 its own welfare but the welfare of others. Envy is an indication of self-centeredness.

Note 11 at 1Co 13:4: "Charity vaunteth not itself" means that 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 Lu 5:14). 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 unbelievers. He only revealed Himself to those who were already His followers (see note 1 at Mr 16:9). Truly, Jesus was "meek and lowly in heart" (Mt 11:29).

Note 12 at 1Co 13:4: "Is not puffed up" is another reference to pride (see note 11 at this verse).