1. Without love (1-3)

The gift of speaking in tongues is like empty noise without love. The gift of prophecy is valueless and so is the gift of faith without love. Even our self-sacrificing philanthropic work gains nothing without love. Love matters far more than our spiritual gifts. Love must be the motivation in all we do; otherwise, all our efforts lose meaning.

2. Love is…love is not… (4-13)

Christian love is based on God's love for sinners. It is to love our neighbors as ourselves. Verses 4-7 describes love in a practical way: Love is patient and kind; it always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. However, love does not envy, boast, dishonor others, delight in evil; it is not proud, self-seeking, easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs, but rejoices with the truth. In contrast to prophecy, tongues, and knowledge, love never fails and will endure forever. Spiritual maturity comes when we grow in the love of God and practice it. Faith, hope, and love remain, but love is the greatest of all, for love is foundational.


Application: Lord, thank you for Jesus, who set the example of love. Help me to know your love, grow in this love and practice it in my daily life.
One Word: God is love.