The word ‘love’ is one of the most overused words in the English language. There are a few definitions of the word, but the ways in which we express that love can be innumerable. As Christians, we are familiar with the definitions of ‘love’ in the Bible and also speak of the ‘Love Chapter’ in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter has been studied, memorized and is often recited at weddings, yet, do we practice it? Although the King James Version uses the word ‘Charity’ in this chapter, the Greek word it is translated from is agape and this word means affection, good will, love, benevolence and/or brotherly love.
Spend time reading, meditating and practicing the words of this chapter daily (If the King James Version is difficult to understand, click here to read in a different version)
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1 Corinthians 13
vs 1) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
vs 2) 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, and have not charity, I am nothing.
vs 3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
vs 4) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
vs 5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
vs 6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
vs 7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
vs 8) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
vs 9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
vs 10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
vs 11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
vs 12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
vs 13) And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.