1 Corinthians 13:6

1 Corinthians 13:6: "Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;"

This line contrasts delighting in wrongdoing with delighting in truth. Love does not celebrate moral failure, sin, or injustice; instead, it delights in God’s truth—the character, promises, and ways of God. In the Corinthian context, where some might treat wrongdoing as a source of humor or advantage (sowing discord, boasting in power), love chooses truth-telling and integrity. Rejoicing in truth means celebrating righteousness, justice, and the gospel’s reality—God’s faithfulness, grace, and the transformation that comes through Jesus. It aligns affection with what is right before God, shaping how believers respond to temptation, conflict, and scandal. The verse invites discernment—love seeks truth, even when it’s costly or uncomfortable, because truth leads to freedom and reconciliation.

Theologically, this verse anchors love in alignment with God’s nature: God is truth, and His people are called to reflect that fidelity. It rejects cynical or escapist happiness that normalizes sin. It’s a call to integrity, honesty, and justice within the community and in personal life. The verse also ties into the broader biblical theme that truth will prevail, and love’s joy is grounded in reality as God intends.

Practically, reject eschewing truth for comfort or popular opinion. Celebrate honest assessments, confess faults, and uphold ethical standards even when it costs you. In community life, promote truth-telling in love: address injustices, correct faulty beliefs with gentleness, and celebrate when others do what is right. In personal life, examine what you celebrate—do you laugh at or excuse sin in friends or media? Choose to delight in truth by studying Scripture, seeking wise counsel, and living with integrity. Let love push you toward truth-telling that restores relationships rather than fuels cynicism.

Cross-References: Psalm 51:6; John 8:32; Ephesians 4:15; 1 John 3:18; Hebrews 4:12