In these verses Paul compares the superiority of love to the gift of languages, the gift of prophecy, miraculous faith, and the doing of sacrifices and good deeds. The value of love is beyond estimation. No gift or possession is profitable without it. We must recognize the value of love also, for God’s love enables us to do His work effectively. God is love and the more like Him we become, the more love we will possess.
Its not the lack of love from others that defeat us, but rather our OWN lack of love. Therefore, if we want to be LOVED we must become a LOVING person who can be loved.
Love is a necessity; everyone needs to love and be loved. Love is eternal; it will unfold in greater beauty and glory while endless ages roll. Victory is assured to those who are filled with God’s love.
Key Verse
1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NIV
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
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