S — Scripture
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind…”
1. Corinthians 13:1–4 (NIV)
O — Observation
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “If only I were as gifted as that person… Then I could serve more, do more, and finally receive the affirmation I long for”? It’s a very human thought—and one the early church struggled with as well.
The church in Corinth was overflowing with spiritual gifts: tongues, prophecy, knowledge, eloquent teachers. Paul even says they “did not lack any spiritual gift” (1 Cor 1:7), which suggests Corinth may have been one of the most spiritually gifted congregations in the early movement. Yet at the very same time, they were deeply divided. Instead of their gifts bringing unity, they became fuel for comparison, jealousy, pride, and competition. Factions formed, people argued about who possessed the “greater” spiritual gift, and the community fractured (see 1 Corinthians 1–4; 12).
So before Paul describes what love is (vv. 4–7), he begins by showing what life without love looks like, even when it appears externally impressive.
Paul lists the most extraordinary acts of spirituality:
- speaking heavenly languages,
- having prophetic insight,
- understanding deep mysteries,
- having miracle-level faith,
- practicing radical generosity,
- even suffering for God.
Every one of these would impress a church. But Paul says something radical: Without love, all of this is noise, nothing, and worthless. A life filled with spiritual gifts without love becomes empty religion, even if it looks powerful.
When Paul finally begins describing love (v. 4), he starts with two simple words:
- patient
- kind
Not dramatic.
Not flashy.
Not impressive.
But deeply Christ-like. Love expresses itself first not in the spectacular, but in the quiet transformation of the heart—how we treat the people in front of us.
A — Application
Where have I been focusing more on gifts, performance, or “doing” for God than on actually loving the people around me? Sometimes ministry, service, or even Bible knowledge can become a substitute for love. Paul gently reminds me that spiritual activity is never a replacement for a transformed heart.
What does “love is patient, love is kind” look like in my relationships today? With my spouse, children, co-workers, church members, or friends—
Where can I slow down?
Where can I listen longer?
Where can I show kindness instead of irritation or quick judgment?
Do I need God to renew my love for someone difficult? Sometimes the “lack of love” doesn’t show in big failures, but in small daily reactions—tone of voice, impatience, defensiveness. Paul’s words invite me to ask the Spirit to soften my heart.
P — Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding me that without love, all my efforts, gifts, and achievements mean nothing. Forgive me for the moments when I have served You with activity but not with love. Fill me with the love of Christ—the patience, the kindness, the humility that comes from Your Spirit. Help me to love the people in front of me today the way You have loved me: faithfully, graciously, and sacrificially. Change my heart so that everything I do flows from genuine love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
