03/06/2024
Here are my thoughts on these verses. Just something to consider, food for thought.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
4¶ Charity suffereth long, and is kind (to those that caused the suffering) ; charity envieth not (physical, intellectual, spiritual); charity vaunteth not itself ( doesn't push to the front) , is not puffed up (doesn't think more highly of self),
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly (doesn't cause a scene) , seeketh not her own (doesn't strive for self preservation) , is not easily provoked (turns the other cheek) , thinketh no evil (doesn't entertain suspicion) ;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity (is ashamed of spiritual failures) , but rejoiceth in the truth (loves spiritual correction) ;
7 Beareth all things (without complaint or retaliation) , believeth all things (looks for the good), hopeth all things (will work for the best) , endureth all things (keeps moving forward regardless of the outcome) .
8a Charity never faileth: (if applied as stated in the verses above, it always works)
These verses are not a group effort, it is an individual matter (as much as lieth within you live peaceable with all men). If these simple verses were applied, there would be no strife or division among brethren.
1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV — When I was a child (spiritually immature), I spake as a child (without facts), I understood as a child ( selfish), I thought as a child (self gratification) : but when I became a man (spiritually mature) , I put away childish things (and fully embraced charity) .