Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 that “love is not easily provoked.” The word “easily” is not in the original. Actually, it is not needed, for the word translated “provoked” is emphatic, needing no modification. It means that true love does not become exasperated, is not overly sensitive. You see, it is really hard to get someone who loves you riled up enough that he becomes ill-tempered or bitter. Our English word is from the Latin provocare, which means to challenge or incite.

Bowman, D. (1990). That’s Life! Christianity Magazine, 7(10), 23.