1st Corinthians 13

 

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not (yet been persuaded of the perfect) love (of the Father that has shined upon my heart in the face of Jesus Christ), I am just as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not (yet been persuaded of the perfect) love (of the Father that has shined upon my heart in the face of Jesus Christ), I am nothing (for apart from Him, I can do nothing). 

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not (yet been persuaded of the perfect) love (of the Father that has shined upon my heart in the face of Jesus Christ), it profits me nothing (that can perfect me from death).

4 The love (the Father has shown us in Christ Jesus) suffers long, and is filled with (everlasting) kindness; the love (of the Father) is not envious; the love (of the Father) is not boastful (with a vain glory), is not puffed up (with pride), 

5 Does not act unbecoming, does not seek her own (care but the care of another), is not easily provoked, does not consider evil (committed against it);

6 Does not rejoice in iniquity (because of the injustice of death it never fails to bring), but rejoices in the truth (that sends death away and brings life and immortality); 

7 Bears (upon itself) all things, believes (in its care for you in) all things, (provides) the sure hope (of life) in all things, (strengthens you to) endure all things.

8 (The) love (which the Father bestows on us is perfect, it) never fails (falls away or comes to an end): but whether there are prophecies, they shall be rendered unnecessary; whether there are tongues, they shall be refrain from; whether there is knowledge, it shall be set aside. 

9 For (until the perfect love of the Father has been born in our hearts) we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 

10 But when the perfect love (of the Father) has come (to our hearts), then that which is in part shall be brought to completion. 

11 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 (mature) man, I put away childish things. 

12 For when we are children we see through a glass, dimly (in obscurity); but after (when that perfect love has come I will see unveiled) face to face: as a child I know in part; however then (as a full grown son immersed in the love of the Father) I shall fully know myself even as I have always been known (by Him). 

13 And now abide in these three, faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.