And then Paul wrote about the importance of love: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 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, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” 4TC 163.4
No matter how high the profession, those whose hearts are not filled with love for God and other people are not true disciples of Christ. In their zeal they might even die a martyr’s death, but if love did not prompt them, they would be no more than deluded fanatics or ambitious hypocrites. 4TC 163.5
“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful” (NRSV). The noblest characters are built on the foundation of patience, love, and submission to God’s will. 4TC 164.1
Love is not “arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful” (NRSV). Christ-like love places the best interpretation on the motives and acts of others. It does not listen eagerly to negative reports, but tries to bring to mind the good qualities of others. 4TC 164.2
This love “never ends” (NRSV). Those who have it will carry it through the gates of the city of God. 4TC 164.3