1 Corinthians 13:5

What Does 1 Corinthians 13:5 Mean?

This verse continues the description of what real love looks like. Love isn’t rude – it doesn’t treat people with disrespect or meanness. It doesn’t always demand its own way (that’s selfishness, not love). Love isn’t irritable – it doesn’t snap at people or get easily annoyed. And love isn’t resentful – it doesn’t keep score of wrongs or stay angry at people. Love keeps a clean slate!

Hero Challenge

This week, pay attention to moments when you might be tempted to be rude, demand your way, or feel annoyed or resentful. Each time you notice it, pause and ask: “What would love do right now?” Try to respond with kindness instead and see how it changes the situation.

Did You Know?

The phrase “does not insist on its own way” is sometimes translated as “love is not self-seeking.” In the time Paul wrote this, many people believed that looking out for yourself first was the smart thing to do. Paul flipped that idea upside down – real strength, he said, is choosing others over yourself. That’s the way of Jesus!

Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question

What does it mean to be rude? Can you think of a kind thing to say or do instead of being rude?

Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question

Why is it hard to let someone else have their way? How does it feel when you choose to let someone else go first or get their way?

Ages 10-13: Champion Question

“Love keeps no record of wrongs” – resentment is like keeping a list of everything someone did to hurt you. How does holding onto that kind of list hurt you? What does it look like to let it go?