Prior to 1 Corinthians 13, Paul patiently teaches the Corinthians to stop being envious of one another’s spiritual gifts. Clearly and rationally he silences the church’s unrest by laying out arguments so thorough that no church member can deny that the apostle is absolutely correct. And yet, Paul adds, there is an even better way to solve this problem. Going beyond all of his rational arguments, he urges the church to practice one virtue which transcends all others, love. As Paul elaborates, we learn three essential aspects of this necessary ingredient among the Lord’s people.