The Greatest Of These Is Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Key Verse 13: “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

1. Look at verses 1-3. How do verses 1, 2, and 3 each describe someone who does not have love? Why do you think someone who lacks love can come off as a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal even though they speak in the tongues of men and angels? Why does someone who does not have love have nothing and gain nothing?

   1. Why might we tend to focus on the things described in these verses such as speaking in tongues, understanding all mysteries and knowledge, and giving up our lives, but not focus on love?

2. V4-7. How do these verses define love? How is this definition different from how the world defines love? Consider the 15 qualities that define love in these verses: Which ones stand out to you and why? What are some practical ways to love someone based on these 15 qualities?

3. V8-12. Why is love so important and greater than prophecies, tongues, and knowledge according to verse 8? Why is love worth focusing on over prophecies, tongues, and knowledge according to verses 9-12?

4. V13. What 3 things will abide or remain until the end? Which is the greatest and why?

5. Application: What should you do if you feel like you don’t have love, or need help loving God and others?

6. Application: If love is the most important, then how do the other items such as prophecy, knowledge, faith, and giving up your life etc. fit into the picture? How can these things be used in the right way, in love?

---