Expanded interpretive translation of First Corinthians 13:4-8 from Rick Renner’s Sparkling Gems from the Greek:

“Love patiently and passionately bears with others for as long as patience is needed; Love doesn’t demand others to be like itself; rather, it is so focused on the needs of others that it bends over backwards to become what others need it to be; Love is not ambitious, self-centered, or so consumed with itself that it never thinks of the needs or desires that others possess; Love doesn’t go around talking about itself all the time, constantly exaggerating and embellishing the facts to make it look more important in the sight of others; Love does not behave in a prideful, arrogant, haughty, superior, snooty, snobbish, or clannish manner; Love is not rude and discourteous – it is not careless or thoughtless, nor does it carry on in a fashion that would be considered insensitive to others; Love does not manipulate situations or scheme and devise methods that will twist situations to its own advantage; Love does not deliberately keep records of wrongs or past mistakes; Love does not feel overjoyed when it sees an injustice done to someone else but is elated, thrilled, ecstatic, and overjoyed with the truth; Love protects, shields, guards, covers, conceals, and safeguards people from exposure; Love always expects and anticipates the best in others and the best for others; Love never quits, never surrenders, and never gives up; Love never disappoints, never fails, and never lets anyone down.”

A few things to remember.

We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). He first loved you this way.

His love is in you now (Romans 5:5). Yield to His love and let Him love through you.

We have a commandment to walk in love (2 John 5). Read His words on love daily and let the life and power in His word change you (2 Corinthians 3:18). Let His Holy Spirit teach you and guide you to walk like He walks (1 John 2:6).