“…⁶does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; ⁷bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Love relates to truth, which sounds lofty and possibly has inspired many toward higher education and the study of philosophy. To be sure, many false testimonies are related as stories from person to person, taking on a life of their own and being embraced by many gullible Christians as “gospel truth.” In one sense, we need more skeptics who check things out to see if they really are true (see the Bereans for our example of this).

However, love of truth in the context of 1 Corinthians 13 has to do rather with our relationship to others. Most major translations put this, “rejoices withthe truth” (emphasis added), although the NKJV puts it, “rejoices inthe truth.” While the semantic range of the Greek language here could go either way, the difference, though subtle, is significant. To rejoice inthe truth would suggest the possibility of enjoying being right in one’s estimation about a thing. But to rejoicewiththe truth carries the connotation of joining in the rightness of a thing, attaching oneself positively to that which is right.

Notice this is put in contrast to rejoicing in unrighteousness. One can relish in being right in one’s belief but do so in an unrighteous way. There is no place, though, for gloating or self-exaltation. This excludes Phariseeism! Love is never to be sacrificed by the truth, but rather love and truth are melded together as one inseparable item. Remember the core truth is Christ and Him crucified. When I interact with others, the driving impetus and power comes from Christ and the knowledge of Him. I rejoice in that truth for other people, not just for myself.

If I have love, then I don’t rejoice because of those who reject Christ and will suffer God’s judgment. I am not glad when our Lord chastises other Christians who reap the fruits of their carnality, secretly thinking, “Good for them; they deserve that.” No, I rejoice in the truth that Christ died for them, and therefore I am able and desire to be the person who “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” This does not mean I become gullible or a doormat, but that all the things that normally animate my life and actions become subservient to a higher goal. I can bear the loss of anything for the sake of loving others. I am willing to overcome my own faith-doubts and believe, with hope, that God can change others and even change me. Thus I am willing to endure anything for the sake of God’s love working through me toward others. That is Christ and Him crucified—in my life. That is love.

Lord, teach me and give me the power to love others the way You love me.