1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Application:

Love is a sincere and selfless concern for the well-being of others. Paul recognizes it as the greatest of the three Christian virtues (v. 13). He criticized wealthy believers for failing to show love to those less fortunate than themselves.

People used cymbals to worship Dionysus, the god of wine. Paul references the crashing cymbal to suggest that spiritual gifts without love render the Corinthians’ worship indistinguishable from that of the pagans.

Paul insists that love is critical to understanding and applying spiritual gifts. Without love, spiritual gifts do not edify. 

Regardless of how visible and impactful my gift or ministry might be, I am nothing and gain nothing if I lack love for my fellow Christians. Spiritual gifts are intended to benefit others (13:2–3), and they lose significance when love is absent.

The Greek word translated as “love” in these passages is “Agape,” which is different from “eros” or “phileo.” This love is unconditional and does not expect reciprocation. It represents God’s love for humanity, exemplified by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8).

Ref: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 1170.
Ref: John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), 1 Co 13:1.

To God, be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-25

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans In Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother, In-Christ, Ricardo

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