"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." — 1 Corinthians 13:13
First Corinthians 13 is often called the "Love Chapter." Set between discussions of spiritual gifts (chapters 12 and 14), it reminds us that all gifts are worthless without love.
The Necessity of Love (vv. 1-3)
Paul begins by showing that impressive abilities mean nothing without love:
- Eloquent speech without love is mere noise
- Prophetic powers without love are empty
- Mountain-moving faith without love profits nothing
- Generous giving without love gains nothing
- Sacrificial martyrdom without love accomplishes nothing
The Corinthians valued spectacular gifts. Paul redirects them to what truly matters.
The Characteristics of Love (vv. 4-7)
Here Paul paints a portrait of love in action:
What Love Does
- Suffereth long - Patient with difficult people
- Is kind - Actively seeks others' good
- Rejoiceth in the truth - Celebrates what is right
- Beareth all things - Protects and covers
- Believeth all things - Trusts and hopes the best
- Hopeth all things - Remains optimistic
- Endureth all things - Perseveres through trials
What Love Doesn't Do
- Envieth not - Content with what it has
- Vaunteth not itself - Not boastful or proud
- Is not puffed up - Not arrogant
- Doth not behave itself unseemly - Not rude
- Seeketh not her own - Not selfish
- Is not easily provoked - Not quick-tempered
- Thinketh no evil - Keeps no record of wrongs
The Permanence of Love (vv. 8-13)
While spiritual gifts will cease, love never fails. In eternity, we won't need prophecy, tongues, or partial knowledge. But love will remain forever.
Paul compares our present understanding to a child's and to seeing in a dim mirror. One day we'll see clearly and know fully. Until then, we live by faith, hope, and love—with love being greatest.
Applying This Chapter
Try reading verses 4-7, inserting your name where "charity/love" appears. Where do you fall short? These qualities describe Jesus perfectly. Through His Spirit, they can increasingly describe us.
"Charity never faileth." — 1 Corinthians 13:8