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. 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. 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. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 KJV)
The Way of Love
Here, the apostle explains what he meant by “a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31)—that is, charity, or love (agapē). This is not charity in the usual sense of almsgiving, but love in its fullest meaning: true love for God and man, a benevolent disposition toward others growing out of sincere devotion to God. This living principle is the foundation of all duty and obedience and is far superior to all spiritual gifts. Without love, even the most extraordinary gifts are worthless in God’s sight.
He first mentions the gift of tongues: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1). A person might speak every human language with eloquence and fluency, or even speak like an angel, yet without love, it would be nothing more than empty noise—useless and unprofitable. It is not speaking impressively about the things of God that makes one acceptable to Him, but having a loving heart. The Corinthians prided themselves on this gift, so Paul corrects their misplaced value.
He next mentions prophecy, understanding mysteries, and all knowledge (1 Corinthians 13:2). Even if a person had complete understanding of Scripture, perfect insight into divine mysteries, and knowledge directly inspired by the Spirit, without love, it would mean nothing. A brilliant mind without a benevolent heart is of no value to God. He prizes sincere love above great knowledge.
He then refers to miraculous faith—the faith that can work wonders: “If I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2; Mark 11:23). Even the most powerful faith that can move mountains is worthless without love. Miraculous works may impress people, but they cannot replace genuine love. Many may perform mighty acts in Christ’s name, yet He will reject them as evildoers (Matthew 7:22-23). Saving faith is always joined with love, but the faith that performs miracles may exist without it.
Next, he speaks of outward acts of charity: “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor” (1 Corinthians 13:3). A person might give away everything he owns, yet if he lacks love, it profits him nothing. Generosity without true love can spring from pride or a desire for reputation rather than from compassion. Good deeds do us no spiritual good if they do not flow from a loving heart. Giving all we possess to others will not help us if we withhold our hearts from God. Without love, even the most costly acts of service are worthless.
Finally, Paul speaks of enduring even the greatest sufferings: “And though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3). A person might die as a martyr for the gospel, yet without love for God, His church, and humanity, such a sacrifice is empty. Some have suffered or died for religious causes out of pride or desire for fame rather than from sincere faith. It is possible to die for religion without ever having truly loved it. Suffering for the truth is of no value unless it springs from love—the very heart and spirit of true religion.
The most painful sacrifices and the most heroic acts cannot commend us to God without love. If offering our own body to be burned does not profit us without love, how much less can persecuting or harming others in the name of religion? Such cruelty is the very opposite of charity. True Christianity can never be advanced by hatred or violence. If we lack love, even our greatest deeds and sufferings are nothing in the sight of God.