1 Corinthians 13 is called “the love chapter”. It is read at many weddings, but Paul first wrote it to a church full of rivalry, where some believers were proud of their spiritual gifts. Paul shows them “a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31).
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
King James Version
Three parts
- Verses 1–3: love is necessary. Speaking in tongues, prophecy, knowledge, great faith and even generosity are worth nothing without love.
- Verses 4–7: love in action. Paul describes love by what it does and what it refuses to do: it is patient and kind; it is not jealous, proud, rude or selfish; it does not keep a record of wrongs.
- Verses 8–13: love lasts. Gifts will pass away, but faith, hope and love remain, “and the greatest of these is love”.
Love is a way of acting
In verses 4–7 Paul uses verbs: love does something. That is why the chapter is a mirror. Some readers replace the word “love” with their own name: “I am patient, I am kind …” — and quickly see where they need God’s help. The perfect example of this love is Jesus Christ.
Questions for a small group
- Why does Paul put love above spiritual gifts?
- Which description of love in verses 4–7 is hardest for you to live?
- How would this chapter change the way our church handles disagreements?
Using the chapter in a service
For a wedding or a Sunday message, show verses 4–7 one phrase at a time, then end with verse 13 alone on the screen. Read the whole chapter in the online Bible.
