The hymn to love: Paul writes to the Corinthians
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Paul wrote to the Christians of Corinth that without love, even the greatest gifts are worth nothing. Love is patient, it is not jealous, it bears all things, and it never ends. Of faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
The story, in plain words
Paul wrote to the Christians of Corinth about love. Even if he spoke the languages of people and of angels, without love he would be like a clanging metal. 1 Corinthians 13:1
The word the translation uses here is “charity.” The Church teaches that charity means loving God above all things, and loving our neighbor for the love of God. Catechism 1822
Even if he had the gift of prophecy, all knowledge, and a faith that could move mountains, without love he would be nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2
And even if he gave away everything he owned to the poor, if he did not have love, it would do him no good. 1 Corinthians 13:3 Love is patient,…
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See the mapWhat the Bible says
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1If I speak with the tongues of men, and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely; is not puffed up; 5Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth; 7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void, or tongues shall cease, or knowledge shall be destroyed. 9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. 11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child. 12We see now through a glass in a dark manner; but then face to face. Now I know I part; but then I shall know even as I am known. 13And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
To talk about together
- Of all the things Paul says about love, which one is hardest for you?
- Paul says that without love, even the good things we do are worth nothing. Why do you think he says that?
- For the child: how can you be patient and kind with someone in your home this week?
Who is in it?
Paul.