1 + 2 Corinthians | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsNäide

1 CORINTHIANS 13

ANYTHING WITHOUT LOVE IS WORTHLESS

Paul emphatically states that works, talents, and words are useless without love. Without love, Paul declares, it is all worth nothing. Defining love for the Corinthians, Paul describes love as patient, kind, and humble. Paul also defines what love is not, stating it is not arrogant, irritable, resentful, or inflexible. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

While all good things will eventually come to an end, love will outlast everything. As Paul has grown, he has found a greater sense of love and has abandoned the selfish ways of his youth. Paul speaks of three vital qualities, faith, hope, and love, but states that the greatest of these is love. Because eternity for believers is perfect unity with God, faith and hope will be unnecessary, and all that will remain is love.

STUDY QUESTIONS

According to 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, what did Paul value less than love?

Consider the words that Paul used to describe love. What are the opposites of these words? How can those opposites show you what love isn’t?

Why is love considered greater than faith and hope? In eternity, will faith and hope be necessary for believers?