1 Corinthians 13 explained: Love Matters More Than Gifts

Tongues without love (v. 1)

The church in Corinth prized dramatic spiritual abilities, especially speaking in tongues, an inspired kind of speech whose exact nature is debated (real human languages, or something beyond them, as the mention of angels may hint). Paul says that without love even this is only noise, like a clanging gong or cymbal.

Great deeds without love (vv. 2-3)

Insight into God's hidden plans, faith strong enough to move mountains, and even giving away everything or handing over one's own body amount to nothing without love. Ancient copies of verse 3 differ: some say the body is given up so the giver can boast, and others say it is given to be burned.

What love looks like (vv. 4-7)

Paul describes love by what it does, and many items quietly answer the boasting, jealousy and rivalry in Corinth. Love does not keep score of wrongs and is quick to think the best of people, yet it never pretends wrong is right, because it sides with the truth.

Gifts end, love lasts (vv. 8-10)

Prophecy (speaking messages believed to come from God), tongues and special knowledge give only partial glimpses, and Paul says they will end when what is complete or perfect arrives. Most read this as the end of the age when Christ returns, though some take it as an earlier stage in the church's life.

Childhood and a dim mirror (vv. 11-12)

Our present understanding is like a child's way of talking and reasoning, something meant to be outgrown. Ancient mirrors were polished metal that gave a blurry image, and Paul contrasts that with one day seeing God "face to face" and knowing as fully as God already knows us.

Faith, hope and love (v. 13)

Faith, hope and love outlast all the special gifts, and love ranks highest of the three. One common reading is that faith and hope reach toward something still to come, while love simply carries on once it arrives.

Key verse: 1 Corinthians 13:13

Something to think about

Have you ever seen someone do something impressive or generous that still felt empty, and what do you think was missing?