Chapter 13 is often referred to as the love chapter. It teaches us what love is and what love is not. Our culture can be confusing as we attempt to live a life of love based on different understandings of love. Many times, we get confused between love and tolerance. When the word tolerance is used in scripture, it is not always a positive word. In Revelation 2, Jesus commends Ephesus for not being tolerant of evildoers. And then later in the chapter, He criticizes the church in Thyatira for being tolerant of a woman He calls a Jezebel because she is leading His followers into sin. However, scripture does teach that Christians are to be patient with other people in their weaknesses. In this verse found in verse 6, it states that Christians are not to approve of wrongdoing. Being tolerant of actions that are sinful is not a Biblical virtue.

How are Christians to disagree with others that are living a life of evil according to God’s word, yet still love them as Paul describes in this chapter? Do we celebrate when evil actions happen against them, or do we grieve? I am not talking about people who face the consequence of their behavior through the court system. I’m talking about celebrating wrongdoing against them because we disliked their viewpoint or behavior. I often say that the hardest aspect of being a follower of Jesus Christ is balancing between love and truth. If we stand for truth, but do not express love, we are seen as harsh and legalistic. If we love people but ignore truth, then we approve of behavior that can be harmful to themselves and others.

Living a life of love and standing up for truth is not easy. I often see people express resentment and anger toward others and blaming them for all the problems but not understanding their own contribution to the poor relationship. I hear people talk about groups with opposing viewpoints, and I see the inappropriate words they use to attack them. All of us struggle with the type of love that Paul describes in chapter 13. If we are honest with ourselves, sometimes we are afraid to speak out against evil and at other times there is a tendency to delight when misfortune happens to others we dislike. Instead, we should refuse to celebrate evil and rejoice in what is good and true. God does not call us to be tolerant, instead He calls us to love all people. The Bible does not teach us to agree with sin. Instead, we are called to oppose evil while being patient with the weaknesses of others. Are you able to love and stand for truth at the same time? It is a challenge we are all called to attempt to live out in our lives.

Read 1 Corinthians 13