I Corinthians 13

“Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease …” (v8). Paul encouraged all believers to use their God-given spiritual gifts to build up the Body of Christ: prophecy, teaching, healing, etc. These are wonderful tools, useful for this life on earth. But love will remain forever. If we excel in all kinds of “ministry” but treat others harshly, we are “nothing” – we are not like Christ.

Love defines God Himself. When “the perfect” comes (eternity, v10) many things will change, but love will remain.