Chapter 12
Love: Because He First Loved Us
“We love him, because he first loved us.”
1 John 4:19 (KJV)
Love is one of the clearest places to look for evidence of becoming. We do not obey so God will finally love us. We learn obedience within the security of already being loved.
Why the KJV Says Charity
In 1 Corinthians 13 the KJV uses charity for the Greek agapē. This is not limited to modern charitable giving. It is love with recognizable character and action.
What Charity Looks Like
First Corinthians 13:4–8 (KJV) describes charity as longsuffering and kind; not envious, boastful, puffed up, self seeking, or easily provoked; not rejoicing in iniquity but rejoicing in truth; bearing, believing, hoping, enduring; and never failing. Love is not merely claimed. It becomes visible in how people are treated.
Rejoicing in Truth
Paul's direct contrast is iniquity versus truth. One faithful relational application is that love values honesty even when truth hurts. We can be hurt by what someone discloses while being grateful the truth is finally in the light. Truth allows repentance, discernment, real decisions, and possible repair. Love would rather face an uncomfortable reality than build intimacy on a comfortable lie.
The Living Word
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) says God's Word is quick and powerful. That does not mean we make Scripture mean whatever we want. We respect what the text says and allow its truth to examine how we live.
Love Gives the Other Fruit Direction
Patience without love can become resentment; kindness without love can become image management; goodness without love can become superiority; faithfulness without love can become duty; gentleness without love can become avoidance; self control without love can become rigid. The fruit works together.
Love Is Not People Pleasing, Control, or Rescuing
Love can comfort, confront, say no, forgive while trust rebuilds, create distance, and allow consequences. Galatians 6:2 and 6:5 (KJV) show both bearing burdens and carrying personal responsibility.
The Greatest of These Is Charity
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (KJV). Christlike love is patient, kind, truthful, humble, hopeful without denial, protective without possessing, and faithful when love costs. We love because He first loved us.