What does Paul say about having the best spiritual gifts without love?
Paul says that even possessing the highest spiritual gifts—prophecy, understanding all mysteries, or mountain-moving faith—without love amounts to nothing. Correct doctrine and discipline also count for nothing if love is absent. Love is essential; without it, the most impressive spiritual abilities have no value.
Les explains that Paul is speaking of something beyond the norm. He uses the example of the best gift, prophecy, and understanding all mysteries—even mysteries like those found in pagan religions—and faith that could remove mountains. Yet if love is missing, Paul says it all amounts to nothing. Les also points to the church at Ephesus in Revelation, which had doctrines straight and discipline in order but lacked love. That proves straight doctrine and perfect discipline count for nothing without love. Paul’s correction of the Corinthians is to be given in the spirit of love.