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 take into account 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：
- Discuss how spiritual gifts, fruit of the Holy Spirit and spiritual maturity are related. Explain how love is defined in the scripture and why love is so important as the foundation before practicing any spiritual gifts. (Cor 13:1-8)
- How has God commanded us to love others? Discuss what the inference of the “new heart” is in the New Covenant and how we are empowered to love differently from the flesh or mind. (John 13:34-35; Lev 19:17-19; Eze 36:25-27; 2 Cor 5:17; Rom 5:5)
- What will set you apart from the rest of the people in the world, so that all will know that you are Jesus’ disciples? Discuss how we are to love one another as God illustrates what true friendship is by building intimate and trusting relationship with us. (John 13:34-35; John 15:13-15; Prob 18:24)