1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Today we are reading 1 Corinthians 13.
As we read, these verses stood out to me:
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - If I speak with the tongues of mankind and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give away all my possessions to charity, and if I surrender my body so that I may glory, but do not have love, it does me no good.
Please, take some time to Share Your Thoughts With Us as they relate to this passage.
You can share anything that is on your heart but, if you don't know where to start, try reading these verses and answering one or more of the following "Honest Questions"
Honest Questions
1. Who do you think of as an "expert" in the study of spiritual gifts? How were you first introduced to them and their teachings?
2. If someone was an "expert" in the practice of spiritual gifts, what do you think their reputation would be like?
3. Have you been taught to think of spiritual gifts as something that is no longer necessary for the believer? If so, did that teaching apply to all spiritual gifts or only certain ones?
4. Is it more important for us to love people or share our faith with them? Is it possible to separate the two? Is it possible for us to love people without sharing our faith with them? Is it possible to share our faith with people but never love them?
5. Our culture does not always seem to equate love for our neighbors with the practice of religion. In some circles being religious is even considered a hate crime. How have we helped to confirm that bias? In what ways is that bias misguided or misinformed? What should we do if we encounter someone that opposes the way we practice our religion?
6. It seems to me that there are errors on both sides of the spiritual path. On the one hand, people might say that faith is expressed through love without regard to spiritual gifts, on the other hand, people might say that faith is expressed through the use of spiritual gifts. The latter would probably not say that they are unloving but, their accusers might. If we put those two extremes on a spectrum, where would your tendencies fall?
7. Are your thoughts related to the practice of spiritual gifs more task-oriented or relationship-oriented? Explain.
8. Of the 16 attributes of Love listed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 where do you represent Christ most clearly and where do you have the most room to grow? Would you be willing to take some time to invite God to help you deal with any unloving characteristics still present in your life?
9. What is was your favorite verse in 1 Corinthians 13 and why?
10. Do you have any specific questions or prayer requests after reading 1 Corinthians 13?
We use our Basic Bible Reading plan to guide the discussions in this group.
You are not required to purchase one of our plans to be part of this group but, if you would like to get one for yourself or one of your friends you can do so by following this link to our online store:
