I heard it said that I could speak in the tongues of men and angels, but that I would just be noise if I didn't have love...
I heard it said that I could have the gift of Prophecy, seeing things nobody else sees, understanding deep spiritual things and knowing all there is to know, but that if I didn't have love, it meant nothing.
I heard it said that I could have the greatest faith of anyone, even great enough to move a mountain from it's place and throw it into the sea, or to raise the dead, and heal the sick, but if I didn't have love... It would be for nothing.
I heard it said that I could give everything I own to the poor, but that if I didn't have love, I gain nothing.
I heard it said that I could be martyred for my faith, give my body to the flames, but if I didn't have love, it was all for nothing.
I am guessing, that love is more important.
Love is being patient. Patient with those around you, not lashing out, not reacting to situations with anxiety, but calmness.
Love doesn't want or envy what isn't theirs.
Love doesn't know pride, or think too highly of oneself.
Love doesn't behave rudely, or unkind. In every situation, even stressful situation, even when people are getting under our skin, it is kind and doesn't lash out or speak unkindly.
Love is not selfish, nor does it seek it's own. Love thinks of others before itself, and gives wholeheartedly.
Love is not easily angered or provoked, doesn't lose it's temper.
Love thinks the best of people, and doesn't judge.
Love doesn't think the worst, but rejoices in the truth.
Love can bear all things, and believes all things, and hopes all things, and endures everything.
Love does not fail.
But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
This same person said this:
When 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 childish things.
And so I now will put away childish things, and learn the most excellent way... A love that my savior walked in. Those other things are amazing things to see and to do, but I see how clearly I have missed the point if I forget love.
I see how damaging it would be if I walked in the greatness of those other things, but forgot the foundation of love...
Love must be my foundation.
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