All you need is love
Friday, January 22, 2010 at 6:29PM I attended a funeral today. A very moving and nice tribute to a man who had a real zest for life and was very much loved by everyone who knew him. One of the readings was from 1 Corinthians 13 which I quote below.
As I listened I heard it in terms of some of the things that can seem to really matter in this brave new 2.0 world but which in fact maybe don't.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If 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 have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
Reader Comments (4)
Excellent. Wise words, sir.
I heard this passage recited so many times when I used to go to church. I stopped hearing the meaning. Re-reading them reminds me how awesome those words are. Thanks, Euan.
This seems to be read at almost all Christian weddings, and I always loved it. My affection and interest in it grew when I considered the different types of love as described in Greek - eros, philia, and agape. "All you need is agape" might be a good title for a blog post!
Awww ! I read this at my mother's funeral. Hadn't looked at it since - thank you for reminding me how beautiful it is...