If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2
“I am nothing,” is a pretty strong phrase, especially spoken in first person. Not the usual self-assessment of the mentally well balanced person, but Paul is emphasizing love as the believers highest achievement.
Paul is setting priorities for correct patterns of thought and behavior. In Corinth, a world of Greek polytheism and pagan worship of a god for everything with an extra to spare, divination, soothsaying and worldly academia were held in high esteem, carrying monetary benefits. However, these things are worthless if love is not the center motivation and end result.
Love is about everything except you, everything else is about you. If faith in an all loving, grace granting, mercy extending God doesn’t create love, then it is not a faith worth having.
Paul implores, “Let love define you!”
Amen,
Gretchen