哥林多前书第13章：爱的真理

 
GK611晨祷生命读经
26/08/2025
主讲: 陈炎明牧师


引言：爱是最容易也是最难的功课！

一、爱有九若（V1-3）

这里提到九个“我若···”：1能说万人方言、2天使的话语、3可以先知预言、4明白各样奥秘、5知道各种知识、6有全备的信心、7甚至能够祷告移山、8乐于全部周济穷人、9可以完全舍己。这是何等完美的属灵恩赐啊！但是真理显示，如果缺少了爱，一切变成徒然，毫无益处。换言之，只要有爱，就有行动，最终总会叫人得益处。

二、爱有八不（V4-6）

真爱是经得起考验的，因此说“爱是恒久忍耐”。意思说，即使要不断的付出、不见回报、不见改变、还是要忍耐、忍耐、再忍耐。正因爱是恒长久久的忍，所以：

1.⁠ ⁠爱是不嫉妒
爱不会因为别人比自己好、得到恩典、成功、或被人喜爱而心生嫉妒。嫉妒常使关系破裂，但真正的爱是为别人的蒙福而喜乐，不是心里不平。

2.⁠ ⁠爱是不自夸
真爱不会为了凸显自己而夸耀，不会拿自己的成就或恩赐来压过别人。它懂得谦卑，把荣耀归给神，也能欣赏别人而不是炫耀自己。

3.⁠ ⁠爱是不张狂
与“自夸”相似，但更强调态度。张狂是骄傲、自大、盛气凌人。爱不会摆架子，也不会轻视他人，而是温和谦逊，平等对待。

4.⁠ ⁠爱不作害羞的事
意思是“爱不会做不合宜、失礼、冒犯人或不体面的事”。爱总是顾及别人的感受，懂得分寸，有礼貌、有尊重。

5.⁠ ⁠爱不求自己的益处
真正的爱不是自我中心，不是凡事只想“对我有什么好处”，而是愿意牺牲、顾念别人的需要。爱乐意分享，不单顾自己。

6.⁠ ⁠爱不轻易发怒
爱不是一点就爆，或动不动就情绪化。它懂得忍耐与控制，慢于发怒。即使被冒犯，也不会急躁地回应，而是以温柔的心处理。

7.⁠ ⁠爱不计算人的恶
这句话很有力量。原文意指“不把别人的过错记录在账上”。爱不会像记账本一样记住别人的错，随时翻旧账。相反，爱愿意饶恕和释放。

8.⁠ ⁠爱不喜欢不义，只喜欢真理
爱不会纵容邪恶、不义、不公义的事；也不会幸灾乐祸。它站在真理和公义的一边，以神的标准为喜乐。

三、爱有四凡（V7）

1.⁠ ⁠凡事包容
原文带有“遮盖”的意思。爱能遮盖别人的软弱和过失，不是掩盖罪，而是不急于揭露、攻击或羞辱人。真正的爱能容忍差异、接纳不完美，并以恩典去保护对方。

2.⁠ ⁠凡事相信
爱选择信任而不是怀疑，宁可多相信一点，不轻易论断别人。这里不是盲目的轻信，而是以信任和善意为出发点。爱会相信神在对方生命中动工，也会给人机会成长。

3.⁠ ⁠凡事盼望
爱永远不放弃希望。即使环境困难、关系紧张，爱仍能看到未来的可能性。它不是绝望，而是盼望神能翻转局面。对人，对教会，对家庭，爱都能抱持希望。

4.⁠ ⁠凡事忍耐
忍耐是指在压力、痛苦、逼迫之下仍然坚持下去，不轻易放弃。爱不是短暂的激情，而是持久的坚持。即使遇到伤害或挑战，爱仍然愿意等候、坚持、不退缩。

四、爱是永恒（V8-13）
真爱无穷尽。地上的一切都会过去，唯独爱是存到永远。如今什么都是有限的、会过去的、不是长久的、包括属灵恩赐也会过去；因为世界也有结束的一天。但唯独神与人的爱是永远长存。

爱的永恒性—属灵恩赐再宝贵，也会停止；爱却不受时间限制。在永恒中，爱继续存在，甚至更完全。

有限与完全—【今世】：有限、模糊、暂时。【将来】：完全、清楚、永恒。这提醒我们不要过分执着于恩赐或知识，而要追求长存的爱。

总结：如今信望爱

【信心】是信仰的启程、【盼望】是起伏的过程、唯独【爱】要持守到永恒！


    

1 Corinthians 13: The Truth of Love
GK611 Morning Devotion
26/08/2025
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Rev David Tan

 Introduction: Love is both the easiest and the hardest lesson!

I.The Nine ‘If’ of Love (v1–3)

Here, nine ‘if I...’ statements are mentioned: 1. Speaking in all human languages, 2. Speaking the words of angels, 3. Having the gift of prophecy, 4. Understanding all mysteries, 5. Knowing all knowledge, 6. Having perfect faith, 7. Being able to move mountains through prayer, 8. Willingly giving to the poor, 9. Being able to completely sacrifice oneself. What perfect spiritual gifts these are! However, the truth reveals that without love, all these become meaningless and of no benefit. In other words, where there is love, there is action, and ultimately, it always brings benefit to others.

II. The Eight ‘Does Not’ of Love (v4–6)

True love can withstand trials, so it says: “Love is patient.” This means even if you must give continually, without return, without seeing change—you still endure, endure, and endure again. Because love is long-suffering, therefore:

1.Love does not envy
Love does not envy others for being better, receiving grace, succeeding, or being loved. Envy often destroys relationships, but true love rejoices when others are blessed, instead of feeling bitter.

2.Love does not boast  
True love does not exalt itself to outshine others with its achievements or gifts. It understands humility, gives glory to God, and appreciates others rather than showing off.

3.Love is not arrogant  
Similar to ‘boasting,’ but emphasises attitude more. Arrogance is pride, self-exalt, and condescension. Love does not put on airs or look down on others but is gentle, humble, and treats everyone equally.  

4.Love does not behave rudely
This means love does not act improperly, disrespectfully, offensively, or indecently. Love always considers others’ feelings, knows proper boundaries, and acts with courtesy and respect.

5.Love does not seek its own
True love is not self-centered, not always asking “what’s in it for me?” but is willing to sacrifice and care for others’ needs. Love delights in sharing, not in self-interest.

6.⁠Love is not easily angered
Love does not explode at the slightest provocation or get emotional over little things. It knows how to endure and self-controlled, slow to anger. Even when offended, it responds gently, not rashly.

7. Love does not keep record of wrongs
This statement is very powerful. The original text is ‘Does not keep track of the mistakes of others.’ Love does not keep a ledger of others' mistakes to bring up later. Instead, love is willing to forgive and let go.

8. Love does not delight in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth.  
Love does not condone wickedness, injustice, or wrongdoing, nor does it gloat over others’ misfortune. Love stands on the side of truth and justice, rejoicing in God’s standards.

III. The Four ‘Always’ of Love (v.7)

1.Always protects
The original text carries the meaning of ‘covering.’ Love covers others' weaknesses and mistakes, not to hide sin, but to refrain from hastily exposing, attacking, or shaming others. True love tolerates differences, accepts imperfections, and protects others with grace.

2.Always trusts
Love chooses trust over suspicion. It prefers to believe rather than to judge others lightly. This is not blindly trusting, but trust rooted in goodwill. Love believes that God is at work in the other person's life and gives them the opportunity to grow.

3.Always hopes
Love never gives up hope. Even in difficult circumstances or tense relationships, love can still see the possibilities for the future. It does not despair, but hopes in God’s power to turn things around. Love hold onto hope for people, for the church, and for the family.

4.Always perseveres
This means enduring under pressure, pain, or persecution, without giving up easily. Love is not a fleeting passion, but steadfast commitment. Even in hurt or challenge, love is willing to wait, persevere, and not retreat.

IV. Love Is Eternal (v8–13)

True love never ends. Everything on earth will pass away, but love remains forever. All things now are limited, temporary, and will fade—including spiritual gifts. For even the world itself will one day come to an end. But God’s love, and the love between God and His people, will last eternally.

The eternal nature of love— No matter how precious spiritual gifts may be, they will cease. But love is not bound by time; it continues forever and will be perfected in eternity.

Limited vs. Perfect—[Present Life]: limited, unclear, temporary. [Future]: perfect, clear, eternal. This reminds us not to cling too tightly to gifts or knowledge, but to pursue love that last forever.

Conclusion: And Now: Faith, Hope and Love

[Faith] is the beginning of belief, [Hope] is the fluctuating process, but only [Love] must be upheld until eternity!