As you reflect on these qualities of love from 1 Corinthians 13, ask the Lord to show you how your love measures up to His.

 

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up  (1 Corinthians 13:4).

  • Are you patient when people inconvenience or bother you?

  • Are you kind with your tongue, using well-chosen words to encourage others?

  • Are you genuinely glad when someone else is promoted, gets a raise, or is recognized-and you are overlooked?

  • Are you content with the basic necessities of life and a right relationship with God?

  • Do you boast about your abilities, gifts, accomplishments, or possessions?

  • Are you content to do good works without recognition or praise?

  • Do you harbor a spirit of pride-an inflated view of yourself?

 

Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil (v. 5).

  • Do you have good manners?

  • Do you use sarcasm or put-downs that show disrespect?

  • Do you consciously look out for the welfare of others above your own?

  • Do you fly off the handle or blow up when "crossed?"

  • Are you often touchy or thin-skinned?

  • Do you keep track of others' offenses or hold a grudge?

  • Do you focus on people's quirks and weaknesses instead of their strengths?

 

LOVE does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth (v. 6).

  • Do you love righteousness? Do you hate evil?

  • Are you grieved when you or another believer sins?

  • Do you welcome others sharing the truth with you about your life and needs?

  • Do you rejoice when truth triumphs? When people turn to God and change?

 

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (v. 7).