Real Love “Is Kind.”

According to Greek scholar A.T. Robertson, the Greek word translated “kind” can also mean “useful or gracious.” If we keep in mind that the purpose of real love is to seek the welfare of the one loved, then we see why real love must not only be patient but also gracious.
Kindness, not harshness, is more apt to encourage good in another person. Just as Proverbs says that “a soft answer turns away wrath” (15:1), so love that is practical and useful brings out the best in the one loved.
Being gentle and “full of grace” is a Christlike quality (John 1:14). Look at the way Jesus described Himself to those in need of help: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
That is a description of the strongest and most loving Person the world has ever known — strong enough to create the universe and wise enough to stand against the hypocrisy and self-centeredness of the most powerful people of His day. Yet, He did so while being full of both truth and grace.
Jesus reminds us that while love calls for truth, truth expressed without kindness is not loving. He reminds us that while love calls for patience, patience without kindness is not loving either.

Real Love “Does Not Envy.”

Continuing his description of love, Paul said that real love does not resent the blessings, successes, or well-being of another. Love does not say, “If I can’t have what I want, I don’t want you to have it either.” Instead, real love says, I can be happy for you, even if I never achieve the accomplishments, recognition, or comforts you are enjoying. While I might wish myself more, I could not wish you less.”
This “no envy” nature of real love is perhaps its most frequently encountered aspect. How many times have we seen other people prosper while we struggle to get by? Even Jesus’ own disciples argued among themselves over who should have the most significant places of honor.
The Scriptures don’t say that we should be able to lose a job without disappointment or a relationship without pain. Paul doesn’t say that if we have love we won’t have feelings of personal loss or sadness. But he does say that if we have real love we will not envy. Our own pain will not be an excuse to feel ill will for those who appear to be getting a better break than we are.
How can we love with such grace? Only with the enablement of the Spirit of Christ. The secret of goodwill in disappointment is a deep confidence in a provider God who is also our Shepherd and Father. Disappointments will come. Unfair circumstances will test our faith as well as our love. Yet, we can be disappointed for ourselves and still show love to others — if we have learned to trust in God.