Few things hurt as much as being deceived or betrayed by someone you love.

If this has ever happened to you, then you know what I mean. You also know that as a Christian, your heart and mind should be set on not hurting someone this way.

When we love others honorably, affectionately, and without hypocrisy, we:

• Celebrate their accomplishments with them

• Are not envious of them

• Are loyal and sincere

• Treat them in the way we want to be treated

When we love as Paul calls us to love in these verses, we are being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Our love is to be “without hypocrisy.” In 1 Corinthians 4:4-13, Paul lists all the attributes of Love. It is faithful, kind, humble, forgiving, longsuffering, ever hopeful — and so much more. Love is the greatest thing known to humanity. That’s because God is Love (1 John 4:8).

God loved us first. That’s why we love Him (1 John 4:19). And because God is love, we can love each other honestly, completely, without hypocrisy, expecting nothing in return. In fact, our ability to love each other is God’s benchmark for our ability to love Him (1 John 4:20-21).