1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Chapter Summary

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul presents a beautiful and powerful message about love. After discussing spiritual gifts in the previous chapter, he explains that no gift, talent, or achievement matters without love. Even if someone has great faith, wisdom, or the ability to perform miracles, without love, it is meaningless.

Paul then describes what true love looks like:

• Love is patient and kind.
• It does not envy or boast.
• It is not arrogant, rude, or selfish.
• It is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs.
• Love rejoices in truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Paul emphasizes that love never fails, while spiritual gifts, knowledge, and prophecy will one day pass away. He reminds us that we currently see things imperfectly, but one day, we will fully understand. He concludes by stating that faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is love.

Without Love, Everything Else is Meaningless

Spiritual gifts, good deeds, and even strong faith are empty without love. Love must be the foundation of everything we do.

True Love is Selfless and Sacrificial

Love is not just a feeling—it’s a choice to put others first. Love is shown through patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness.

Love is the Only Thing That Lasts Forever

One day, all spiritual gifts will cease, and human knowledge will fade. But love will remain for eternity, making it the most valuable gift we can pursue.

Am I living a life that prioritizes love, or am I more focused on personal achievements and recognition?

Ask yourself if your actions reflect Christ’s love in your relationships and daily interactions.

Do I show love even when it’s difficult, or do I only love when it’s convenient?

True love requires patience, forgiveness, and selflessness—even toward difficult people.

How can I make love the center of everything I do—whether in my family, work, or church?

Consider ways to express love more intentionally in your daily life.

“Father, help me to love as You love. Teach me to be patient, kind, and selfless in my relationships. Keep me from pride, resentment, and selfishness. Let my words and actions reflect Your love so that I may bring glory to You. Thank You that love never fails and that You have called me to walk in it daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”