Do I Best Understand Love as an Emotion or a Decision? [1 Corinthians]

I. INTRODUCTION 

Contextually, chapter 13 is sandwiched between two chapters of instruction by Paul to the church at Corinth whose members, in their carnality, emphasized the practice of certain spiritual gifts above the practice of Christian love. Paul instructs them that love is preeminent. Again, it’s what ties people together. 

Of special note are the love-defining verbs that follow under the second outline point: “The Elements of Love.” All fifteen are in the present continuous tense “denoting actions and attitudes which have become habitual, ingrained gradually by constant repetition.”1 These defining characteristics of love are worthy of constant review and practice, especially with our spouses, family members, office staff, and professional colleagues. Again, and again, as my choice of graphics on the first page suggests, love is what ties us together and sustains our relationships. 

Given that repetition is the key to ingraining, I like to revise and teach this study often. Akin to driving a car, these specific, measurable aspects of love should become habitual responses in our lives—even though they are more difficult and take much longer to cultivate than are the skills involved in driving a car. 

Before examining the fundamental aspects germane to objective love, Paul first emphasizes—and appropriately so—the superiority of love. So, let’s look at that first. 

II. THE ESSENTIALITY OF LOVE 13:1–3 

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” 

In these three opening verses, Paul makes three stark comparisons in order to underscore the incomparability of love. These introductory remarks exclaim the dominance of love as a virtue over all other character traits. It is important, motivational, and insightful to note that the three comparisons are related to qualities necessary from a human perspective for one to succeed in the capital community! One must possess speaking skills, leadership, and self-sacrifice. As critical as those are, love—from a godliness perspective— is of greater importance! The first comparison in verse one is to a person’s oratory abilities. 

A. LOVE OVER ORATION 13:1 

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” 

One’s love for others is more important than their speaking abilities. The metaphorical meaning of “becoming a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” relates to empty philosophizing. Someone who knows and exclaims all the right answers but has no love is akin to the church of Ephesus as described in Revelation 2:1–7. That church had all the right doctrine but had lost their love for God. Proverbs 3:3 summarizes the necessary virtues a legislator needs possess: both a herald of truth and be a man or woman of love. “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Solomon’s use of the words “neck” and “heart” bespeak of both love (kindness) and truth as being a part of one’s outward and inward adornment. The meaning of the Hebrew word for “heart” (leb) includes intellect, emotion, and will. The mature believer possesses love and truth simultaneously in full measure. The loving legislator, because his priorities are straight, is neither inwardly nor outwardly a noisy gong or clanging cymbal—even when he or she heralds the truth on the floor, such speech should be couched in words of love. 

B. LOVE OVER LEADING 13:2 

“If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 

It is not a stretch to interpret the second verse of chapter 13 to be a statement of the primacy of love over leadership. A legislator who knows the Word of God and who is acutely knowledgeable of all the policy issues and possesses faith—visionary leadership for his or her personal and party’s future—who possesses not a genuine, heart-felt love for people, Scripture states emphatically, amounts to nothing. The phrase “so as to remove mountains” is Pauline hyperbole2 (also seen in verse 7) intended to emphasize the conveyable meaning “to make what seems impossible possible.”3 You may be a great leader, or an up-and-coming great leader in American government—one who may be able to achieve what others deem impossible, a man or woman of great faith—but never forget that it is more important to love people, especially those who have nothing to do with helping you to accomplish your leadership objectives. Don’t kid yourself into thinking that people don’t pick up on self-centeredness. 

C. LOVE OVER SELF-SACRIFICE 13:3 

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 

For sure, one who gives sacrificially of time, talent and treasure is to be exalted above the lazy and uncommitted who do not. But in comparison to love, sacrificial qualities are of lesser significance. In fact, a life of personal sacrifice for one’s cause will profit nothing when all is said and done in eternity. One who lacks love is woefully deficient. 

“Love is the indispensable addition which alone gives worth to all other Christian gifts.”⁴ 

Lord, help us to get this—to work on being more loving! Life in the capital, in the community, or in the home without love is nothing (oudeis) meaning “nothing at all.” How are you doing as a preeminently loving person—a lover of people and especially your mate, if you are married? What follows the essentiality of love in the inspired mind of the apostle Paul are the biblically objective indications of love; they should help to answer the question “am I a loving person?” more realistically, versus analyzing subjective feelings that may or may not accurately reflect one’s real love quotient. 

III. THE ELEMENTS OF LOVE 

A. FROM 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4–7 

“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 

After first stating for openers what love is: love is patient and kind, Paul describes the characteristic elements of love’s non-existence; the following seven descriptors on this inspired-by-God passage list what love is not. Sometimes the best way to describe what something is, is to state what it’s not. 

After briefly examining and defining all of these virtues in 1 Corinthians 13, we will review Colossians 3:12–14 for additional insights relative to the emotional aspects of love in order to round out the study. (Because love is emotive as well—but let’s be careful not to get the cart before the horse). Keep in mind that emotions, both good and bad, always stem from one’s thinking, either proper or improper thinking respectively. Given our cultural misunderstanding of love, I think it is essential for both you and I to approach and teach on love in this order: 1 Corinthians 13 before Colossians 3. 

1. Love is patient (makrothumeo) 

Literally, this means “suffers long.” This first characteristic is the ability to be taken advantage of by a person many times and not be upset. The root word means “to persevere.” James uses this same Greek word in describing the attitudinal response of the prophets of old whose words went unheeded by their peers (cf. James 5:8ff.). Program your mind with Philippians 1:6. 

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” 

The truth of this passage will help you sober to the fact that God is not through sanctifying the other person—and I am not perfect either! So be patient, not condemning and judgmental! Remember too, that since Christ forgave your sins—past, present, and future, that you must find room in your heart to forgive others who have wronged you. To be longsuffering, patient with another’s shortcomings is to be categorically loving! 

2. Love is kind (chresteuomai) 

The counterpart to patience, is kindness. The Greek word means “to show one’s self mild.” This characteristic is a willingness to give to another, including one’s enemies, and to be gentle and slow in responding. The Greek root means “one desires and works for another’s welfare.” It is the idea of good will, generous responses, and actions in contradistinction to holding onto past bad memories and being bothered by another in the future (aka “he or she gets on my nerves”).

3. Love is not jealous (zeloo) 

Literally the root means “earnestly desire.” Contextually, jealousy is similar to covetousness as it is used here, carrying the idea of envy. It is a desire to have what another possesses as well as fearing someone will steal what you possess. To the contrary, Scripture commands us to want what another possesses, but rather to “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). Choose to be glad for those who have—be they more talented, successful, popular, or beautiful—versus envious. Are you the biggest cheerleader of your colleagues? 

4. Love does not brag (perpereuomai) 

Literally, “to talk conceitedly.” The mature-in-Christ have forgotten about self-importance. Center on others, not self. Proverbs 27:2 states: 

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. 

Further, be characterized by asking others sincere questions (cultivate personal curiosity) and talking little about self. Don’t be quick to add your personal stories to every conversation; in the crowds in which you circulate, everyone already gets the point. It is better to spend your time asking questions of others. Love does not brag. 

Think when approaching conversation, “What can I learn from this person? Versus “What can I tell this person about me?” 

5. Love is not arrogant (phusioo) 

Literally, “to puff or blow up.” William Carey who translated the Bible into 34 languages was once put down in a banquet. An arrogant man said to him, “Mr. Carey, I understand that you were once a shoemaker.” Carey replied, “I was not a shoemaker, only a shoe repairman!” Strive to be big-hearted, not bigheaded. Make it a habit to play down self in the presence of others. Proverbs 16:18 states: 

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” 

Reciprocally, keep in mind James 4:6…. 

“God…gives grace to the humble.” 

6. Love does not act unbecomingly (aschemoneo) 

This is the characteristic of someone who cares so little for others around them that they act without proper decorum for the occasion. It is to act rudely or impolitely, maybe even crudely. Work always on sensitivity for others. Always display respect for another regardless of their position or ability to assist in your objectives. 

7. Love does not seek its own (zeteo heautou) 

Jesus “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Be occupied with others’ needs, not yours. Philippians 2:3 states: 

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” 

Herein is boilerplate Christianity! Are your mate’s objectives more important to you than your own? What will you do by way of time, talent, and treasure for your mate that will spell out to him or her in no unmistakable actions that you cherish him or her above yourself ? One of the measurable aspects of love is not seeking your self-interests all the time. Coach Wooden used to stress the habit of doing a kind deed for someone on a daily basis who in no way could repay you. That is an excellent habit because it keeps reminding us of this truth: Love does not seek its own. 

8. Love is not provoked (paroxuno) 

Literally “to irritate, arouse to anger.” Love guards against being upset, irritated or angered. Remember, love is kind. A person who is intent on having their own way is easily provoked when he or she is denied what they want.5 

9. Love does not take into account a wrong suffered (logizomai) 

The Greek has the idea of not “ledgering” wrongs someone has done and keeping a log. Chrysostom remarked that a wrong done against love is like a spark that falls into the sea and is extinguished forever. The famous saying, “Don’t get mad, get even” illustrates the opposite idea being conveyed here. If you are a Christian, your response must be to forgive and forget. When it comes to wrongs done against you, do not engender a memory akin to an elephant. Praise God He takes not into consideration our past sin! Clasping onto the virtue of Christ’s forgiveness enables one to forsake the bondage of bitterness. Don’t keep a log—it is not loving. 

10. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness (adikia) 

Isaiah warns, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” (5:20). It is not loving to sacrifice truth. One should not applaud the presence of sin in another. For sure, the biblical concept of love is not emotional sentimentality devoid of truth. 

11. Love rejoices with the truth (aletheia) 

Love cares that what another believes is truthful. It is not loving to allow another to be hurt by lies, since what one believes (and then acts upon) is determinative to personal, familial, and national destinies. It follows that love does not rejoice with erroneous thinking.6 

The following remaining four elements of love are stated in a literary device known as hyperbole, exaggeration in order to make a strong point. (See endnote No. 2). The repetition of all things therefore relates to all things within the confines of God’s righteousness, will, and tolerance. 

12. Love bears all things (stego) 

Literally “to cover.” “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8; cf. Proverbs 10:12). You can measure your love for another by how quickly you are willing and apt to forgive and forget, to move on after another faults you. God’s nature, and hopefully, the believer’s actions must emulate God’s revealed character in Psalm 103:12: 

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” 

It follows that in order for us to be as loving as Jesus expects us to be that we be forgiving and forgetful. 

13. Love believes all things (pisteuo) 

Love trusts, it is confident; it isn’t suspicious or cynical. Love trusts even after experiencing past hurts after trusting and being wronged. It is better to trust and be hurt again than to end up living life alone and bitter. Keep taking risks in your relationships! 

14. Love hopes all things (elpizo) 

Literally, “to anticipate with pleasure.” Jesus did not take Peter’s failure as final. The believer continues to hope that sinners will someday turn from their sin and that believers will someday mature in Christlikeness, for to lose hope is equivalent to losing love. Again, and similar to the virtue of patience, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” stated Paul in Philippians 1:6. Remember, “as long as God’s grace is operative, human failure is never final.” People do learn from their mistakes; hope for the best in a person relative to his or her future. To carry in you such an optimistic attitude toward others is to be loving! 

15. Love endures all things (hupomeno) 

This Greek word was used of an army that held its position no matter what the cost. Love holds fast to the one it loves. It will stand against all opposition. Love remains loyal even when the object of love is less than perfect. 

These fifteen virtues may seem somewhat mechanical. They will however produce the emotions of love that are critically important to every human being and necessary to tying us together for the long run! 

Keep in mind, theologically speaking, all of these attributes of love already and completely exist in the life of the child of God per Colossians 2:10. The believer is made positionally perfect before God at the point of salvation. How obedient one is to his new God-given, loving positional perfection in everyday practice is a matter of obedience. All that to say this: no believer can reason, “I am just not a very loving person.” All believers are perfect in their love: How obedient are you to your new nature in Christ? 

IV. THE EXUBERANCE OF LOVE 

Colossians 3:12–14 speaks to the passions of love: 

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” 

In light of all the perfect and sacrificial love Jesus Christ has displayed to and for the world ( John 3:16) God expects nothing less in response from His followers. Heart of compassion (splagchnon oiktirmos) speaks of the seat of emotions. These elements of God’s exuberant, supernatural love are poured out via the indwelling Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Again, and importantly, all of the elements of love presently exist in the believer’s heart (cf. Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 2:10; 2 Peter 1:3–4). It isn’t a matter of gaining them; it is a matter of taking ownership and using them! 

The essential, elemental, and exuberant aspects of love, as listed in Corinthians and Colossians, are all characteristic ingredients of the truly redeemed, and they should naturally flow forth in and from the life of every Spirit-filled follower of Christ! 

V. THE ETERNALITY OF LOVE 13:8 

Now let us return to the closing passages on love as found in 1 Corinthians 13. 

1. LOVE NEVER FAILS 

Love is permanent. It is an attribute of God, which means it never withers or decays. The believer should view this as a communicable attribute from God. Love is to be present and active in the life of every believer. Likened to Jesus, we need possess eternal, unfailing, ever-present love! Never failing love! Agape love is part of the believer’s very nature! May these virtues be increasingly unfolding in your life! May you conscientiously and regularly cultivate the habitual traits of Christ’s unending love in your personhood! 

The 1 Corinthian 13 passages go on to contrast the importance of love with the spiritual gifts in the body of Christ (which is another study with a great deal of complexity). 

May God help you to put on the very nature every believer already possesses: the essential, elemental, exuberant, and eternal aspects of love. Amen! cm 

FOOTNOTES:

1 David Prior The Message of 1 Corinthians (Nottingham, England: Inter Varsity Press, 1985) p. 229-30. 

2 In the literary genre of Scripture, as in the best of writing today, various figurative devices are inculcated to communicate both effectively and artfully. These devices would include (among many) the use of simile, allegory, ellipsis, metaphor, paradox, irony, euphemisms, etc. The figurative device used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:2 and 7 is “hyperbole.” The people of the Middle East in ancient time used intensified exaggerated expressions to convey a thought with more force. An additional example would be what the apostle John states in his gospel about the life of Christ, “I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (21:25). (cf. E.W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech Used in the Bible [London: Messrs, Eyre, and Spottis-woods, 1889], pp. 171ff.) Such insights defy a wooden literalistic approach (of which Evangelicals are often falsely accused) to biblical interpretation/hermeneutics. 

3 H.L. Strack and P. Billerbeck, Kommentar zum Neuen Testament aus Talmud und Midrasch, 1922-1928. As quoted in Barrett, C.K. The First Epistle To The Corinthians, Blacks New Testament Commentary Series (London: Hendrickson Publishers, 1968) p. 301. 

4 Ibid, p. 303. This quote in its tightest context relates to the point of chapter 13 in comparison to chapters 12 and 14. The application of the quote is nonetheless an appropriate capstone as used in the placement of these notes. 

5 The exception to being not provocative is if another is maligning or contradicting God’s Word. Being provoked over such is akin to righteous indignation. 

6 Herein biblical Christianity conflicts with Postmodernism in that the Christian faith is based upon perspicuous moral absolutes as explicated in and through propositional truth, i.e., infallible and inerrant biblical revelation.