GOD'S DEFINITION OF LOVE

( Click here for audio )

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

God is love and He has defined Himself and His attitude toward us in the 13th chapter of
1 Corinthians. Agape love is the attitude of God expressed in action to man. The opposite attitude of agape love is pride. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and study the corresponding chart below. Remember that agape love can only come from God.

(Agape) Love is...
Love through you
Pride is...
Always Patient
Calm self-restraint from punishing others either physically or emotionally for a
wrong suffered or for mistakes made. Always forgiving.
Never patient with mistakes. Retaliates when a wrong is suffered.
Always Kind
Goodness of heart expressed in actions for another's benefit.
Never kind or interested in another's benefit. 
Never Jealous or Envious
Not being resentfully desirous
of anothers advantages, possessions or gifts. Not desirous of another's good that it cannot have.
Always jealous and envious of others' good fortune.
Never Boastful or Arrogant
Never seeks to exalt self
or is puffed up with pride and self-importance over nothing.
Always boastful and arrogant.
Must  be the center of attention. 
Never Acts Unbecomingly
Never acts contrary to behavior appropriate to a Christian's position as a child of God, (for example) with modesty, grace, humility and patience.
Always rude and never considers the feelings of another.
Seeks Not Its Own
Does not insist on
having its own way or rights. Looks out for the interest of others.
Always demanding its own way and always looks after its own interests.
Not Provoked
Never easily stirred to anger; never touchy or quick tempered.
Always easily provoked; touchy; over-sensitive; angry.
Never Takes Into Account a Wrong Suffered
Bears a wrong without holding it against the one who has committed it. Never holds grudges; maintains a forgiving spirit; keeps no records of wrongs.
Always holding grudges and maintains records of other people's wrongs.
Never Rejoices In Unrighteousness
Views sin as God does. Is never glad over someone else's mistakes or sins.
Always rationalizing or ignoring sin. Rejoicing over others' mistakes and sins.
Rejoices With The Truth
Rejoices in all that is found in Christ and his word and in others becoming Christ-like and being used of God.
Never rejoicing with the truth and resents others being used of God.
Bears All Things
Endures any hardship for another's good. Carries another's burdens.
Never enduring anything.
Believes All Things
Thinks the best of other people for Christ's sake. Gives others the benefit of the doubt.
Always thinking the worst of others.
Hopes All Things
Holds fast to God's promises. Hopes for the best for others
Doubting of God's promises. Hopes for the best for himself alone.
Endures All Things
Will last courageously through any trial or span of time with patience and a thankful spirit for the sake of Christ and others.
Never enduring trials with patience or faith in Christ. Always complains and resists.