I Corinthians 13

“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge … but have not love, I am nothing” (v2).  Paul declared that prophecy, knowledge, and other spiritual gifts (important but partial/imperfect, v9) were meaningless if the believer lacks love. Paul meant love in action: patient, kind, not arrogant or rude, not irritable, quick to forgive etc.  As John said, it is impossible to love the God we can’t see while hating the brother we do see (I John 4:20).

“Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (v12).We are known fully by the God who loves us, and His Spirit teaches us to love others.