In our current day of domestic violence, sexual unfaithfulness and broken relationships it is an important aspect of true love and one against which many of us will surely be tested, for in it we see that love can and must be able to suffer the pain of betrayal without ceasing to truly care for and continue to love those who have betrayed us, wronged us, or who simply do not accept or understand what true love is.

Love is Kind -
It is useful, benign, not rough or harsh. It seeks to do good, It is patient though injured by others. The purpose of love is to seek the welfare of the one loved. We also learn that kindness is more apt to encourage good in another person. This kindness brings out the best in they who are loved.


Let us now look at Paul’s exhortations about what love is not.


Love does Not Envy -
It rejoices in the successes of others. It is content with what the Lord has kindly allowed it. Envy is least productive of all sins as it wishes less for someone else while doing nothing productive for they who envy. In real love we are not envious of those who appear to be getting a better break than us.

Love does not Parade Itself -
It subdues pride, it will esteem others and limit its own esteem. It will wait patiently until others praise it. It is anonymous. It does not brag about its own accomplishments, and is guardful of even carefully worded subtle statements of self promotion. It does not put itself in the spotlight. It handles its own prosperity and successes in a humble manner - it does not boast.

Love is not Puffed Up -
It is not bloated with self-conceit. It abhors flattery. It understands that one who is full of themselves has no room to feel the pain of others. Puffed up people have an exaggerated opinion of their own importance and often feel that their happiness and well being are the most important thing in life, as such it is easy for them to dismiss the needs and feelings of others.

Love does not behave Rudely -
It behaves with reverence and respect toward all mankind. and towards love itself. It does not unduly censure or despise others conduct. It will do nothing that is unbecoming to it. It holds true love as a precious thing deserving of respect and does not publically parade it. It does not ever ask any one do something that is contrary to the good principals of conscience, faith and God’s Moral Principals as established in the Holy Bible. In essence don’t misuse the name of love for unGodly Purpose for it is the clear indication of a love that is not - for real love seeks always the best for they that are loved and does not look for personal gain, pleasure or control.

Love does not seek its own -
It is an enemy of selfishness, does not seek its own praise or profit. It often neglects its own for the sake of others. It prefers the welfare of others before itself. It is self sacrificing.
It looks out for the interest of others. As Paul notes in Philippians Ch2 vs. 3-4...."let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind. Let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his interests, but also for the interests of others."

Love is not Provoked -
It is not sharp tempered - it sweetens and softens. It is not quick to display its passions. It confines them within proper limits.