The Hymn of Love

Christianity

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Paul's famous love chapter is structured chiastically with the enduring nature of love at its heart.

AIf I speak in tongues but have not love, I am a noisy gongA'

BIf I have prophetic powers and faith to move mountains but have not love, I am nothingB'

CIf I give away all I have and deliver my body but have not love, I gain nothingC'

DLove is patient and kind; love does not envy or boastD'

XLOVE BEARS ALL THINGS, BELIEVES ALL THINGS, HOPES ALL THINGS, ENDURES ALL THINGS. LOVE NEVER ENDS.

D'As for prophecies, they will pass away; tongues will cease; knowledge will pass awayD

C'When I was a child, I spoke like a child; when I became a man I gave up childish waysC

B'Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to faceB

A'So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is loveA