Lesson 208: 1 Corinthians 13:4
1 Corinthians 13:4
The Blueprint — The Verse
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
1 Corinthians 13 follows Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts in a status-conscious church. Agape love — God’s own character in action — is the indispensable virtue without which gifts are noise.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Paul elevates love above tongues, prophecy, and knowledge. He begins his famous hymn by describing love’s patience, kindness, and freedom from envy, boasting, and pride.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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1 Corinthians 13:3
If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don’t have love, it profits me nothing.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (1 Corinthians 13:3) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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1 Corinthians 13:5
doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil;
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (1 Corinthians 13:5) to continue the passage.
Discussion
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Which quality of love u2014 patience, kindness, humility u2014 do you most need to grow?
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When have gifts been used without love in your experience?
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How does this verse redefine success in ministry?
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