1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing. 3 If I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it does me no good at all. 4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not consider a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends].
1 Cor 13:1-8a
Q & A：
- What are some contributing factors that may have affected the way we treat others or how we love others? What have you learnt about walking in love from this sermon series on “How to Love”, particularly with showing Agape love rather than Phileo love to people, God’s grace (unmerited favor) shown to us while we were still imperfect, our identify of being accepted in Christ, love by choice and a measure of our spiritual maturity? (Eph 5:1-2)
- What ministries have you been serving or involved with in ICS or other churches? Discuss how love should look like in a church setting with different ministries working together, by referring to the love definition in the main scripture, especially in enduring with patience, not self-seeking, rude or arrogant. (1 Cor 13:4-5; Phil 2:2-4)
- Discuss how you can forgive out of love, not keep account of wrong, but to make reconciliation and work out the differences in your family, community or workplace. What does “Love bears, believes, hopes, endures all things and it never fails” mean for you and how can you apply to your daily life? (1 Cor 13:5b, 7-8; 1 John 1:9; Heb 10:17)