1 Corinthians 13:1-13 KJV: The Power of Love
The Importance of Love
In 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, the apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of love in the Christian faith. This passage is often referred to as the "love chapter" of the Bible, and for good reason. Here, Paul highlights the supremacy of love above all other virtues, including faith and hope.
Love is Greater than Giftedness
verse 1-3:
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling 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, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
In these verses, Paul stresses that even the most impressive spiritual gifts – speaking in tongues, prophecy, and faith – are worthless without love. Love is not just an addendum to our spiritual lives; it is the foundation upon which all else is built.
The Characteristics of Love
verses 4-7:
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Paul then proceeds to describe the characteristics of love. Love is patient, kind, and humble. It does not envy, boast, or seek its own interests. Love rejoices in the truth and bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love Never Fails
verses 8-13:
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake 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 through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
In the final verses, Paul emphasizes that love will never fail. While prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will eventually cease, love will remain. Love is the greatest of all virtues because it is eternal and imperishable.
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Paul presents love as the pinnacle of Christian virtues. Love is not just a feeling or an action, but a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. As we strive to live out our faith, let us remember that love is the greatest of all.
