Commentaries:
<< 1 Corinthians 13:3 1 Corinthians 13:5 >>
1 Corinthians 13:4
Paul tells the saints in Colosse that he prays they will possess the trait that is the opposite of wrath or revenge. He speaks of having an even temper, an attitude that in spite of injury or insult does not retaliate. We can develop longsuffering only as a fruit of the Spirit, not as an independent character trait. It grows from the common root of love and bears fruit only along with other spiritual fruit.
Martin G. Collins
Longsuffering
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
In the New Testament, the most common Greek word for self-control (temperance, KJV) is enkrateia. Its root meaning is "power over oneself" or "self-mastery." Self-control, in its widest sense, is mastery over our passions. It is the virtue that holds our appetites in check, controlling our rational will or regulating our conduct without being duly swayed by sensuous desires. Moderation is a key element in self-control.
Martin G. Collins
Self-ControlOther Forerunner Commentary entries containing 1 Corinthians 13:4:
Matthew 7:1-2
1 Corinthians 13:4
Galatians 5:22
Galatians 5:22
Galatians 5:22
Revelation 2:4-5
<< 1 Corinthians 13:3 1 Corinthians 13:5 >>
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What Does 1 Corinthians 13:4 Mean?
Paul defines love positively with only two words: longsuffering and kindness. Longsuffering, from the Greek makrothumeo, is self-restraint under provocation that does not retaliate or promptly punish; it is patience with people rather than circumstances, being "long-tempered" rather than short-tempered. God exemplifies this by giving time for repentance, and David displayed it by enduring Saul's persecution while doing good to him. Christians are commanded to be longsuffering (Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 3:13), bearing with and forgiving one another. Longsuffering grows only as a fruit of the Spirit, rooted in love. Kindness, the active side of love, is a heart predisposed to helpful action, as David showed Mephibosheth. Commanded in Ephesians 4:32, failing to show kindness is sin.