**Interviewer:** Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Paul of Tarsus, the apostle and writer of the letters to the early Christian church. Let’s dive right into your thoughts on love as you expressed in your first letter to the Corinthians. Can you share what you meant in the verses where you say, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal”?
**Paul:** Absolutely. What I was attempting to convey is the profound significance of love compared to mere eloquence or the ability to communicate, even in extraordinary ways. Speaking in tongues, whether of men or angels, is impressive, no doubt. However, if that expression lacks love, it holds no real value. It’s just noise, devoid of meaning or substance.
**Interviewer:** Interesting perspective! You also mention the importance of knowledge and even the ability to perform great acts of faith. In verse two, you say, “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 do not have love, I am nothing.” Can you elaborate on that?
**Paul:** Certainly! Here, I’m emphasizing that even the greatest spiritual gifts—prophecy, understanding mysteries, and miraculous faith—are rendered meaningless without love. It’s easy to get caught up in our abilities, thinking they define us. But true worth comes from love. Without it, we miss the essence of our mission and connection to one another.
**Interviewer:** And then there’s the powerful assertion in verse three, where you say, “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” What’s the crux of this statement?
**Paul:** This one hits at the heart of motivation. Sacrificial acts, like giving everything to the poor or enduring hardships, can look noble on the outside. However, if those actions are done without the impetus of love, they lack the true spirit of generosity and kindness. Ultimately, they were not a gain for myself or others. Love is the driving force that brings meaning to our actions and a true connection to God and others.
**Interviewer:** So, to sum up, your message is that love is the foundational element of everything we do as Christians?
**Paul:** Precisely! Love is not just an action; it’s the essence of our faith. It transforms words, gifts, and sacrifices into something significant and enduring. Without love, we truly have nothing.