“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Paul speaks of many wonderful and important things in the first three verses of this wonderful chapter. He refers to the important sign of tongue speaking. He writes of inspired prophecy. He mentions faith and generous acts of benevolence. He refers even to martyrdom, the supreme sacrifice of life for God. Then he says that without love, none of these things have value.
Paul’s words do not devalue any of these concepts. They are all important. They are all necessary as a part of our service to God. The spiritual gifts which were at issue in these chapters of Paul’s letter had an important function in equipping the first century Christians to their ministry (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5). Without faith it is impossible to please God (cf. Hebrews 11:6). Benevolence is an integral part of the practice of pure religion (cf. James 1:27). A willingness to die for the Lord is necessary for eternal reward (cf. Revelation 2:10).
However, Paul’s words show that these must be accompanied by an overriding concept, love. The ability to speak in tongues or preach with inspiration is just empty noise if the one practicing the gifts is not doing so out of love. It does no good to believe in God, if you don’t love God. The value of benevolence to the giver is found in selfless motives. If your benevolence is not philanthropy (a love of man), it may help them but does nothing for you. Even the greatest sacrifice of your own life is vain if love is not the motive.
Love is the preeminent principle that serves to identify the child of God. When Jesus was asked what commandments under the law were greatest, he named two:
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).
His statement, “On these commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” is interesting here. It indicates that all of God’s instructions to man are based in love. Full and total devotion to God leads both to zeal as well as obedience to His commands. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandment” (John 14:15). And, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:9-10).
Further, God intends that all of our interactions with other men (our neighbor) be based on love. In this, the definition of agape love is beneficial, (good will or benevolence). In all of our actions, we are to seek what is best for our neighbor. That is the apostle defines love in 1 Corinthians 13 as he does. It is seen in how we behave toward others! When we are longsuffering, supportive, kind, sacrificial, patient, trusting, and truthful, we are loving. This is the test showing that we truly are God’s children. “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another” (1 Thessalonians 4:9).
So many other passages say the same thing. Consider a few here:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).
Love clearly is an imperative from God. Do you love Him? Do you love your fellow man? If not, nothing else, no matter what it is, has value.
