I Corinthians 13:1 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
“Charity suffereth long” (I Corinthians 13:4); therefore, during periods of tribulation, hateful treatment, and mean spiritedness from others, “charity” “suffereth long”; that is, “charity” responds to bad behavior with a calm and brotherly demeanor always keeping the mind focused on brotherly love and not evil. In doing so, “charity” is slow to anger and remains tender and patient even when it’s not returned in-kind. Because “Charity … is kind” (I Corinthians 13:4), it lovingly and summarily overlooks the faults and failings in others and seeks to encourage and help others in their pursuit of good Christian behavior and is anxious to help when others experience troubles in their lives. Because it rises from the “fruit of the spirit” (Galatians 5:22), “Charity … rejoiceth in the truth” (I Corinthians 13:6); that is, it is always joyfully honest in all dealings. But, even more so, “charity … rejoiceth” in hearing, living, and telling the “truth” of God’s Grace and Mercy in contrast to the gross “iniquity” and false teachings that persists in every generation. Also, “charity … rejoiceth” in observing the abounding “truth” in the lives and behaviors of those around us. “Charity … Beareth all things” (I Corinthians 13:7); as Paul bore the thorn in his flesh for the cause of Christ, “charity” joyfully bears whatever thorn may be afflicting our lives. “Charity” continues in life giving us a joyful outlook as we bear our personal burdens, bearing any setback that is necessary to continue in our worship and service to the Lord, and as we help bear the burdens and inflictions of others. “Charity … believeth all things” (I Corinthians 13:7); that is, “charity … believeth all”, that is taught in the Word of God, not just bits and pieces of it. “Charity” does not pick out only those passages of Scripture that satisfy carnal whelms and desires, it “believeth” the entire Word of God without altering it to fit some personal philosophy. “Charity” is careful to ‘rightly divide’ (II Timothy 2:15) the Word of God, ensuring that each passage is understood and professed within the context that it is given. “Charity … hopeth all things” (I Corinthians 13:7); that is, it trusts the Lord’s promises. Because “hope” rises from our God-given “faith” (Hebrews 12:2; 11:1); “hope” is the resilient anticipation of those things that God has promised; for example, those who have this blessed hope, live their lives “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” (Titus 1:2). Amazingly, “Charity … endureth all things” (I Corinthians 13:7); that is, troublesome storms often blow through our lives and sometimes the storms are devastating; but, “Charity … endureth all things”; that is, this magnanimous love continues to shine through even the most ominous storms. When afflictions weaken us, when disadvantages hinder us, and when the evil temperament of others discourages us, “Charity” survives, for it “endureth all things”! When a society begins to fail and everything around us seems to be falling apart, “Charity never faileth”; when “prophecies” of men fail, “Charity” stands strong; when “tongues” [used to spread the Word of God in other languages] fail, “Charity” stands strong; and when “knowledge” of the “truth” vanishes “away”, “Charity” stands strong. The Lord told the Church at Ephesus that “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love [same word as “Charity”]” and He Commands them to “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place [Un-Church Them], except thou repent.” (Revelation: 4-5).