by David Dewitt

Created on: July 16, 2008

When I was on the high school cross country team, we would do some of our training at a nearby lake. Our coach wanted us to train on the hills so that we could be better conditioned for various meets that required running up and down steep hills.

The lake had an overflow that helped to control the depth and level of the lake. There were times when the overflow was opened and allowed to drain some of the water from the lake. It would be an outpouring of power and strength that made one stand in awe.

Paul gives an exhaustive definition of agape love here and does so with an incredible eloquence that shows that Christ's love is far more than just talk, it is action. Paul does not give us some long and dull definition of love but rather He gives us a formula for victorious living. As this comes together for Paul he seems to be asking an unstated question: How should a Christian behave?

1. Love is patient
The word that Paul uses here refers to the way we deal with people. Paul says that we are to suffer a long time with other people. No matter what the evil or injury committed against us. No matter how others have neglected or ignored us.

2. Love is kind
The word king means to show favor to others and move beyond hurt and injury. Paul shows that love is strength of grace that allows us to grant forgiveness.

3. Love does not envy
This is not having feelings against others because of what they have - spiritual gifts, position, abilities, possessions or anything else. Love is not begrudging but rather shares in the joys of others.

4. Love does not boast
Paul says that love does not brag or seek recognition. The behavior of love seeks to give, to recognize others, to honor others and applaud when others succeed.

5. Love is not proud
The word here for proud means to be puffed up or conceited. The behavior of love does not look at oneself as being better than others. Love is humble and seeks the best.

6. Love is not rude
Love does not act in a way that is disgraceful or brings shame to the name of Jesus. Love treats people with respect.

7. Love is not self seeking
The Greek word that Paul uses here literally means to worship oneself. This is exactly the problem of modern society because we have become so full of ourselves. The simple reality seeks to serve others, not to be served by others.

8. Love is not easily angered
Paul uses the word that means quick tempered or being ready to take personal offense. Love does not allow the emotions to control and it does not become angry without

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