Love is... (Interpretive Paraphrase of I Corinthians 13:4-7)

Love is patient. That is, love is not over eager to “fix” or “improve” the other.
Love is kind. That is, love does not decide how to express itself and then assume that’s what the other needs. Rather, love looks to define itself by the other's true needs.
Love is not jealous. That is, love does not resent the other for his or her special gifts or abilities, his or her unique role or advantages.
Love does not play the moral rivalry game, or at least does not try to win it.
Love is not rude. Does not habitually assume that its own needs or impulses have priority.
Love is not quick to tighten its jaw just become some expectation has not been satisfied.
Love does not keep a mental list of points that can be brought up during an argument.
Love is willing to consider an uncomfortable truth that might produce spiritual growth.
Love can put up with just about anything, is eager to believe the best, and can see a good and powerful God at work in the midst of even the most troubling circumstances.

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Notes:
1. Whenever I officiate at a wedding, this is included. I have been surprised by how many comments it has received, and how many requests for a copy. So here it is.

2. It never ceases to amaze me what new power and relevance biblical truths have when they are merely reworded for a contemporary audience, even Christian people who have been studying their Bibles for years. (For many more of my interpretive paraphrases, see elsewhere in this blog, and my book Little Crucifixions.)