What does supernatural understanding of all mysteries and mountain-moving faith amount to without love?
Without love, supernatural understanding of all mysteries and mountain-moving faith amounts to nothing. Even extraordinary spiritual ability, correct doctrine, and perfect discipline count for nothing when love is absent. Paul emphasizes that love is the essential ingredient; without it, the most impressive gifts and knowledge have no value.
Les explains that Paul is addressing the Corinthians about spiritual gifts, especially prophecy and understanding mysteries. He notes that even pagan religions have mysteries at their core, and Paul uses the same word for the mysteries of God revealed to him. Yet Paul says if he had this supernatural ability to understand all mysteries and faith that could remove mountains but lacked love, it all amounts to nothing. Les compares this to Ephesus in Revelation: they had doctrines straight and discipline in order, but their major lacking was love. Doctrine and discipline without love count for nothing. Paul will confront what they are doing, but he will do it in the spirit of love.
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, and have not charity, I am nothing.