LOVE IS…
1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13
Key Verse: 13:4
While teaching the Corinthians about spiritual gifts, what did Paul pause to show
them (12:31b)? In verses 1-3, how many times does Paul use the expression, "If I"?
What gifts does he mention? Why do Christians crave such gifts? What happens
when these are practiced without love?
Read verses 4-7. In Greek, the word for love here is "agape." It is derived from
God's love and means selfless, sacrificial and unconditional. In verses 4-6, what
does Paul say love is? And what is it not? Of all the characteristics of love, why
does Paul mention patience and kindness first (Ro 2:4)?
Without love, what are we human beings inclined to do (4b-6a; Ge 6:5; 8:21)?
How can we overcome these sinful tendencies within us (Ro 8:5-9; Gal 5:16ff.)?
How does love relate to the truth (6b; Ro 12:9)?
Read verse 7. How are the verbs "protects," "trusts," "hopes" and perseveres"
related to building up others? What is the progression here? See the following
illustrations: "protects": Mk2:23-26; Jn17:15; "trusts": Ac 9:26-28; "hopes":
Jn1:42; Lk22:32; "perseveres": Lk15:20.
In light of verse 7, what one thing can you try to improve in the relationships in
your personal life and fellowship?
How is love different from all other spiritual gifts (8-10)? What is most
valuable, and how does this help us in using our gifts? How did God's love affect
Paul's way of thinking and lead to his maturity (11)?
What is our hope, and what was Paul's hope (12)? What are the three essentials
in Christian life, and which is the greatest (13)? What should be most important to
us in our struggle to grow as Christians?