If without love

In this chapter, Paul teaches that without love, even the greatest spiritual gifts are meaningless. (1) He begins by mentioning the gifts of tongues and prophecy. This is likely because these two gifts had been overemphasized in the church at Corinth. Paul was seeking to correct that imbalance. The “gong” and the “cymbal” were instruments used in temple worship (ref. 2 Sam. 6:5). (2) Next, Paul mentions “mysteries” and “knowledge.” These refer to a deep understanding of the truths revealed by God. No matter how profound that understanding may be, if it is not accompanied by love, it is of no value. (3) Next, Paul speaks of “faith.” This does not refer to saving faith, but to the kind of faith that can move mountains (ref. Matt. 21:21). (4) Even if a person gives away all of his possessions to feed the poor or demonstrates such devotion that he gives up his own body in martyrdom, if he does not have love, it profits him nothing. This is a revolutionary teaching that shakes our values to the very core. It is only when love is present that spiritual gifts are truly effective. Let’s take a moment to reflect on your daily life.

The love of agape

The “love” spoken of here is the love called “agape” in Greek. It is a deeper love than “philos,” the love that expresses friendship. It is also a love that is fundamentally different in nature from the self-centered love of “eros.” (1) “Agape” is the love with which God the Father and God the Son love one another (ref. John 15:10 and 17:26). (2) “Agape” is the love with which God loves each one of us (ref. 1 John 4:9). (3) “Agape” is the love with which Christians are to love one another (ref. John 13:34-35). God is love. Christians belong to this God and have been made His children. Therefore, Christians are to love God and one another with “agape” love. The goal of the Christian life is to be perfected as a person of love. Take time to meditate on whether your eyes have remained fixed on that goal.