Love is patient. Even when one thinks that is too much. Love endures pain or trials, is tolerant of provocation or tension, and remains constant despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.
Love is full of kindness. Even when you would want to retaliate with violence or tear the other person down with your words. Love is full of sympathy, respect, and esteem; it is gentle and amiable.
Love is not envious. Do you ever find yourself thinking that others receive more attention than you do? Well, love does not take pleasure in rivalries; it is not hostile toward anyone it perceives as having an advantage over it, and it does not suspect evil. Love acts for the good and well-being of the other.
Love does not brag. Even when you would like to tell the whole world about your exploits. Love does not seek to exalt itself; on the contrary, it exalts and praises others.
Love does not become arrogant, even when you think you are right and others are wrong. It avoids all authoritarian attitudes and any form of social egoism, whether of a class or a nation.
Love does nothing dishonorable. It conforms to what is right, good, and proper.
Love does not seek its own interest. Even when one feels the urge to monopolize everything, or when the opportunity presents itself to do so. Love does not try to satisfy its own desires, does not seek to impose its will, nor does it aim to acquire gains for itself. The left hand of the one who loves does not want to know what the right hand gives. Love commits itself. It gets its hands dirty.
Love does not get irritated. Even when others try to annoy you. Love is not easily provoked and does not give in to outbursts of anger.
Love does not take account of evil. Love does not hold grudges. Love forgives, chooses not to bring up the wrongs suffered in order to accuse or take revenge, and does not repay evil for evil.
Love does not rejoice in injustice. Even when another's misfortune seems to be exactly what they deserved.
Love weeps over sin, its consequences, and the sufferings that arise from living in an imperfect world. Love also seeks to reconcile others with the Lord.
Love takes its joy in truth. Even when it would be easier and materially advantageous to lie. Love rejoices when the truth is known, even if it leads to adverse circumstances, ridicule, or persecution.
Love excuses everything. Even when disappointments seem insurmountable. Love is tolerant, it endures those who are hard to understand or who are not convenient. Love views difficulties from the perspective of eternity. It remembers that God develops spiritual maturity through difficult circumstances.
Love believes everything. Even when others' actions are ambiguous and one no longer feels like trusting anyone. Love accepts with confidence, does not judge others' motives, and believes what they say until proven otherwise. Even when the facts demonstrate that a person is not worthy of trust.
Love hopes for all things. Even when everything seems to be going wrong. Love expects the fulfillment of God's plan and envisions the best solution for the other person. Love entrusts others to the Lord, trusting that God will manifest His sovereign and perfect will in their lives.
Love bears all things. Especially when you feel that you will not be able to accept certain people or the difficult circumstances of your life. Love remains constant despite suffering or adversity; it does not weaken, and even in trials, it brings a blessing.
Love will not fail. Even when you feel overwhelmed and the situation seems hopeless. Love does not collapse under pressure or because of difficulties. Love remains faithful and selfless even unto death.
