Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 13:2. It's a really important and slightly challenging one, and it’s about the importance of love and community within the church. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that even with all your amazing abilities – like prophecy and deep knowledge – if you lack genuine love and compassion, you’re essentially worthless. Let's unpack it word by word: “1 Corinthians 13:2” : This refers to the chapter of 1 Corinthians, which is a letter written to a church in Corinth. It’s about how relationships should be. “And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge…” – This part acknowledges that you do possess significant gifts – like the ability to see into the future or deeply understand things. It’s a recognition of your abilities. “…and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity…” – This is where it gets tricky. “Faith” here means believing in something, holding onto hope. “Remove mountains” suggests you could do great things – overcome challenges, make significant changes. "Not charity" is the key part. Charity means kindness, compassion, generosity, and love towards others. Putting it All Together - The Meaning The verse is saying that while you’re incredibly gifted in these areas (seeing the future, deep understanding), if you don't have a genuine desire to help others, to be kind, and to act with compassion, then your abilities are ultimately useless. You can have all the knowledge in the world, but without love, it doesn't matter. It’s like having a beautiful building (your gifts) but if no one needs it or cares about it, it’s just empty. The Core Message: The verse is urging us to focus on relationships – being kind, loving, and supportive of each other. True value isn't found in abilities alone; it’s in the connections we make with others and the impact we have on their lives. In simpler terms: It’s saying that without love and compassion, your gifts are just empty noise. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against pride or arrogance. It's about recognizing that true worth comes from something deeper than our abilities. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with examples? Discuss what the verse might mean in the context of a church community?