John 13:34 (NKJV)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
The definition of the word love that Jesus is referring to here is the Greek word “agape.” Agape love is proactive and unconditional. The characteristics of agape love are found in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, commonly referred to as the love chapter in the Bible.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (AMP)
4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; Love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy; is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly), and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.
7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances and it endures everything [without weakening].
8a Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].
These characteristics of agape love are descriptive of God because God is love. These characteristics illustrate what proactive and unconditional love look like. These characteristics define the word “love”.
Love endures long and is patient and kind
Your patience with yourself and others is indicated by the amount of complaining you do while you are in the process of realizing your God-given dream. Patience endures without complaining. Sometimes people have no choice but to endure, but they are neither patient nor kind along the way. Persevere and remain kind toward others even during the difficult times in your life.
Love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy
Both envy and jealousy will prevent you from tuning in to God’s frequency. Envy and jealousy are different but related. Envy desires to deprive another of what he has. Jealousy craves to have the same, or the same sort of thing, for itself. Envy and jealousy are both filled with resentment over the advantages, possessions, or attainments of someone else. Envy and jealousy are detrimental to your success and either one will inhibit the realization of your God-given dream.
Love is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily
An inflated ego flaunts its own perceived excellence. Those who consider themselves better than others only fool themselves. Bragging about possessions or achievements will not impress others, but it will make an impression on them, albeit a negative one. A good impression is made by following the example that was provided by Jesus. Walk in love; that is what will please God.
Love is not conceited, arrogant, and inflated with pride
People who overly value their own importance appear to others as being arrogant and conceited. People who are full of pride tend to base their worth on what they have and what they do. Your source of worth should not come solely from people. Your source of worth should come first from God.
Love is not rude, unmannerly, and does not act unbecomingly
Bad manners offend others. Rude behavior insults others. Courtesy and polite behavior both show respect for others. Unbecoming people rarely care about manners and usually have little concern for saying “please” or “thank you.” When you exhibit good manners you show others the love that is within you.
Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way; it is not self-seeking
Love does not attempt to force its preferences on others. Love does not manipulate attention to itself. Love is charitable and takes an interest in other people. Love maintains a generous, giving attitude.
Love is not touchy or fretful or resentful
People who are touchy, fretful, or resentful are easily irritated and quick to express their displeasure. Love is not critical and does not get upset easily. Love is even-tempered, good-natured, and accepting of others.
Love takes no account of the evil done to it; it pays no attention to a suffered wrong
Love promotes forgiveness. Forgiving the offenses of others is often the most challenging barrier to success. The reason this barrier is often the most challenging is because it tends to be the most personal. Receiving a personal offense hurts, and retaliation may appear to be justifiable. Your personal situation may involve imperfect parents, physical or emotional abuse, being lied to or about, being cheated out of money, or being disappointed or betrayed by someone you fully trusted. Whatever your personal situation may be, withholding forgiveness has consequences. Forgiveness sets you free from dwelling on past hurts, real or imagined. Forgiveness does not require you to permit continuing abuse or maintain ongoing association. Forgiveness brings freedom from anger, self-pity, and bitterness. Forgiveness allows you to experience peace. Forgiving yourself and others is a key ingredient to success. Forgiveness could be the key that unlocks your full potential.
Love does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail
Love does the right thing for the right reason. Love does not gossip or take pleasure at the misfortune of others. There is no room in success for a malevolent attitude. Love rejoices when truth and justice prevail.
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything without weakening
Love does not give up. Love never quits. Love refuses to surrender to failure.
Love believes in people. Love desires to bring out the best in others. Love does not jump to negative conclusions. Love helps others through challenging circumstances. Love inspires others to realize their God-given dreams.
Love overcomes discouragement and frustration with hope for the future. Love provides the strength to successfully go through the trials of life. There is no limit to what you can accomplish when you are motivated by the God-kind of love.
Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]
Love never fails; therefore, love will always succeed. Love is constant. The truly loving person just keeps on loving, no matter what happens – no matter what others say or do, regardless of the situation or circumstances.
You are living on God’s frequency when your attitude and your behavior reflect the characteristics of agape love. Living on God’s frequency connects you to the source of power that can transform your life!
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