On Sunday mornings before the prophecy update we're going through 1 Corinthians chapter by

chapter verse by verse. And today our text is going to be 1 Corinthians 13 verses 4 through

7. I'll ask you to turn there at this time and once you do if you're able I'll ask

you to stand you can follow along. I'd like

to begin reading in verse one for the sake of context for our study today.

The Apostle Paul, by the Holy Spirit, is writing.

Verse one, he says, if I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a

resounding gong or a clinging symbol.

If verse 2, 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 do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my

body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

Love, verse 4, is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud.

It does not dishonor others. it is not self-seeking, it is not easily

angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Let's pray, we'll ask God's blessing on our understanding.

Oh Lord, how we love your word, how we love every word that proceeds out of your mouth.

It's our life, it's our sustenance, It's the bread of life.

It's that which quenches our insatiable hunger and thirst.

And Lord, that's how we're posturing ourselves before you this morning.

We do so hungry and thirsty for you to satiate as only you can.

In Jesus' name, amen.

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