[8] Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. [9] For we know in part and we prophesy in part, [10] but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10
1 Corinthians 13 tells us that there will be a time when prophesy (the revelation & preaching of God’s will and heart) will cease – because we will know Him as perfectly as He knows us. Tongues will be stilled for a time, then we will all speak one language, with one heart to praise our God and king. These verses tell us also that knowledge will pass away because we know fully and see clearly. However, there will never be a time when love is not essential.
But Love will never fail.
This word, fail, literally means to wither or wilt. Love will not fade or lose its beauty and potency. We give flowers to loved ones, or in remembrance of loved ones. Flowers will wilt and fade. They will eventually lose their color and scent. Drooping, leaves drying and falling off until just the stem is left. This verse tells us that love is not like that. Love never fails.
Without Love, our words, no matter how eloquent and true, are nothing more than insignificant, irritating noise.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1
Love is a fruit of the Spirit – it develops and matures as we abide in Christ.
Love is not based on others’ actions. God is love, so we love.
Without Love we are nothing, regardless of the miracles we do, or the insight and wisdom that we have.
If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 1:2
Love births obedience. If we love Jesus we will obey his commands. He commanded us to love God and love others. To lay down our lives for others.
Love is what moves you to pray, to preach, to heal, to deliver.
Without Love, our gifts and sacrifices to God are of no benefit to us. We can give without loving, but we can never love without giving. True love will give everything for it’s object.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3
Love will cost us something – pride, time, energy, resources… But the price is not too high when love is the source of the gift.
Love is a choice, and something that we must choose to practice, even when we do not feel loving.
True love seeks the best in – and for – others.
Love requires that you lay down all of your pride, dignity, selfishness, insecurities, resources, time, and energy.
Love requires action. Love is not love until it is expressed in serving, giving, or helping.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
