Lesson 208: 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
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
PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More 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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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 () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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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 () 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?