(Love) “...does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,”
1 Corinthians 13:5 NASB1995
The text presents to us what love is by showing us what it is not. Let’s look at each of these “is not” and “does not” statements and look and see what that shows us about what love “is” and “does”.
Love acts becoming (appropriate) - Love does not seek to injure or embarrass or dishonor. Love behaves and acts in an appropriate manner. It rejoices with those who rejoice, weeps with those who weep, consoles those in sorrow, listens to the grievances of the grieving, is silent when silence is called for, and is bold when courage is demanded. Love is wisdom in action in all circumstances. It does not act unbecoming/inappropriate of a Christ follower.
Love is selfless - it does not “only” seek its own (interest(s)). Love motivates and causes you to look to the needs of others. Love inspires us to serve. Like all of these attributes, this is best described and exemplified in Jesus, and this particular trait of love is next expounded upon in Philippians 2:3-8, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Love is calm (patient) - some versions say “not easily provoked to anger”. Neither “easily” nor “anger” are actually in the manuscripts. They are provided by some translators. While “anger” likely has a place, it does not seem that “easily” does. “Love is not provoked” is the most accurate word-for-word translation, and is sufficient. Love is not provoked period. There is no “easily” about it. The love which keeps one from being provoked “easily” in the beginning is the same love that will keep one from being provoked with “difficulty” later on. Love is patient. Period.
Love forgives - “Taketh not account of evil (ou logizetai to kakon). Old verb from logos, to count up, to take account of as in a ledger or notebook, “the evil” (to kakon) done to love with a view to settling the account.” (Robertson’s Word Pictures) The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translates it as, “does not keep a record of wrongs.” Now that IS love!!! Isn’t it? That might just be the toughest reality of what love is of everything that is listed. You look in most of our brains and you’ll find an accounting book somewhere of those who have done us wrong! May our study and knowledge and remembrance of this teaching on love help us to wipe the ledger clean.
Love is not. Love does not. In understanding that perspective from God we can also learn what love is and what love does. Let's get to work loving the Holy Spirit teaches us here.
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