1 Corinthians 13: 1-7

Summary: Paul is writing to a church that is extremely gifted and active in ministry, and yet at the core of much of their activity is a lot of pride and competitiveness—and therefore division. Paul begins (v.1-3) with a sober reminder that all of their ‘accomplishments’ are worthless if they’re done out of prideful and selfish motives. He goes on to give them a definition of love (v.4-7) that clarifies the true, other-centered nature of love. This love was demonstrated most perfectly in our Lord Jesus Christ who embodied each of these attributes. Our call to love others in this way is a call to know more deeply and therefore model more faithfully the love of Jesus Christ.