A close-up look at a familiar chapter brings a
compelling personal challenge.

By Karen Barrett

Have you ever read something that really gripped you? Words that forced their way beneath the surface of your mind and demanded that you ponder them deeply? I read something like that recently—a statement by Amy Carmichael, a missionary to India: “Unlove is deadly. It is a cancer. It may kill slowly, but it always kills in the end.”

Those are strong words. Surely, as God-fearing, Bible-believing Christians, lacking a true spirit of love couldn’t be an issue for us.

Or could it?

Paul the Apostle certainly thought it was an issue for the Early Church. To the Christians at Corinth, he penned the greatest essay ever written on love, shattering their preconceived notions and proclaiming that love was far more than just a transitory surge of emotion. It was a strong, sustained, and holy subordination of self for others. The Corinthian church was distracted by contentions, divided by varied opinions, and envious of each other’s gifts to the extent that unity had nearly been destroyed. Have we seen any of those problems attacking the church of our day? We have! Would Satan like to hinder the unity and love among believers in this generation? He would!

Paul’s solution was not a recommendation that the contending factors get together and talk things over. He didn’t propose setting up a seminar on “Building Unity Among Believers” and requiring everyone to attend. He preached one simple word to them—love. And that simple word is still the solution in our day.

Read the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians carefully, and you’ll find that Paul’s promise to show the Corinthians a “more excellent way” revolves around the word “charity,” which is also translated “love.” He meticulously explains to them that without true, self-sacrificing love to God and man, the most glorious of gifts and good deeds are nothing in the eyes of God.

Paul begins by stating that though a man could speak with the eloquence of an accomplished orator, and knew the language of Heaven so well that he could converse with its inhabitants, his words would be no more than brassy sounds without soul or feeling if he did not have love.

What would Paul think if he were to step into our century and see countless thousands of people flocking to “mega-churches” where the Sunday message is expounded with professional skill and carefully-crafted charisma? Is it possible he would see much of what goes on in the name of religion today as a contrived facade?

He continues by saying that a man may have an understanding of future events, an ability to expound upon the deep counsels of God, a vast store of knowledge, and faith strong enough to move mountains. Yet unless he has love, he is nothing—nothing in the sight of God, and nothing of real worth to the church. Bible colleges, religious seminars and Bible study groups literally abound in our country today. But theological and literary attainments win no favor in the sight of God if they are not rooted in love.

Paul continues by pointing out that even generous acts of charity or deeds of self-sacrificing commitment, when not motivated by love, are without value. The needs in the world around us are many, and as Christians we should minister to those needs whenever possible. But feeding the poor, providing for the homeless, or helping the suffering will profit us nothing unless our actions are based upon love.

Now, perhaps you feel that none of this so far has related to you. You’re not a preacher, an orator, or a theologian. You’ve never been one to join causes, and you don’t have a lot of resources to distribute among the needy. So where do you fit in this chapter?

Read on. The next four verses list fifteen attributes of love. And whatever you are or are not, you need love in your life. These attributes provide us with a comprehensive yardstick by which we can measure ourselves.

Love suffereth long

Do you have a spouse or co-worker who constantly belittles, aggravates, or hurts you? Love endures evil and provocation without feelings of resentment or revenge.

Love is kind

Do you reach out to those around you with comfort and assistance? Love not only seizes opportunities to do good for others, but it actually looks for them.

Love does not envy

In a day when society pressures us to climb ever higher on the ladder of affluence, love does not place too much importance on material possessions. Love finds as much happiness in the successes and gains of another as in personal attainments.

Love does not boast

Listing degrees, accomplishments, and honors may be considered acceptable maneuvering in the eyes of most people, but the person whose heart is full of the love of God is also full of humility, recognizing that whatever he is or has is only by the grace of God.

Love is not proud

Society encourages us to promote ourselves, to get ahead by making sure others know about our achievements, but real love is never inflated with a sense of its own importance. True esteem for others will keep our esteem for ourselves in line.

Love does not behave unseemly

A child of God should never exhibit rude or boorish behavior. Love is not discourteous, or inattentive to civility and propriety, but treats everyone with courtesy and good will.

Love is not self-seeking

Are you able to look beyond your own need for comfort, welfare, and even salvation, and feel genuine concern for the needs of others? Selfishness is an enemy of love.

Love is not easily provoked

Do you find yourself becoming upset and irritated by trying situations or personalities? Where the waters of love are flowing freely, the flames of anger will not easily kindle.

Love does not think evil

Love is always prepared to put the most charitable construction on any situation. It does not suspect evil of others.

Love does not rejoice in iniquity

A heart of love is not interested in stories or portrayals of immorality or violence in the name of entertainment. Love is stirred to compassion and pity at the sins of others, not entertained by them.

Love delights in truth

Love does not gloss over dishonesty or deceit, tacitly condoning it by acceptance of it. Love finds its satisfaction when standards of truth and integrity prevail among men.

Love bears all things

Do you find a feeling of impatience rising up in you when hardships and trials come your way? Love does not give vent to frustration even when faced with personal opposition.

Love believes all things

Is it easier for you to believe something good about a person than something to their discredit? Love does not destroy prudence, but it is always ready to believe the best about everyone.

Love is always hopeful

When things go wrong, love is optimistic and anticipates that good will come about in the end, no matter how dark the situation may seem at the present.

Love endures all things

You may be faced with opposition from open enemies or professed friends. Love bears adversities with an even mind, and submits with peace, knowing that whatever comes is allowed by God, and will work for good.

How do you measure up?

How does your love measure up when this standard is held next to it? If it is lacking in some respect, don’t dismiss the realization lightly. Paul concludes this chapter by pointing out, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity [love], these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” Why did he place love in such an important position? Because not to love is deadly, both individually and collectively. We as Christians have been entrusted with spreading the spirit of love. The strength of the Church and the spread of the Gospel are absolutely dependent upon our love for each other. If love weakens among us, if we tolerate unloving thoughts and unloving actions toward each other, some day the “cancer” that Amy Carmichael mentioned will claim the life of our spiritual body. By the grace of God, let’s not let that happen.

Rather, let us live and walk in love!

Karen Barrett is Office Manager at the Apostolic Faith Church International Headquarters in Portland, Oregon.