1 Corinthians – Chapter 13

New Testament13 Verses

1If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up,

5Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil:

6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth:

7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void or tongues shall cease or knowledge shall be destroyed.

9For we know in part: and we prophesy in part.

10But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child.

12We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known.

13And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.

Reflection for Today

1 Corinthians Chapter 13, the great hymn to love, is treasured in Catholic tradition as the supreme description of Christian charity. The Catechism teaches that charity is "the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God" (CIC 1822). This chapter shows that all spiritual gifts are worthless without love.

Paul's description of love's characteristics—patient, kind, not envious or boastful—provides a practical guide for examining conscience. The Catechism presents these qualities as the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in believers (CIC 1832). Catholic spiritual tradition uses this passage for meditation and self-examination.

The declaration that "love never ends" while prophecies and tongues will cease establishes love's eternal significance. The Catechism teaches that faith and hope will pass away in heaven, but love will remain forever (CIC 1829). This chapter reminds us that the goal of Christian life is not spectacular gifts but the humble, patient love that reflects God's own nature.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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