Where in the Bible does it say 'love never fails'?

The phrase "love never fails" is found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in 1 Corinthians 13:8. This verse is part of a larger passage that is often referred to as the "Love Chapter," which is 1 Corinthians 13. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth to address various issues and to provide guidance on how to live out their faith in a way that honors God and builds up the community.

In 1 Corinthians 13:8, Paul writes, "Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away." This verse is a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of love, in contrast to other spiritual gifts and human achievements that are temporary and will eventually fade away.

To fully appreciate the depth and significance of this statement, it is important to consider the broader context of 1 Corinthians 13. In this chapter, Paul provides a profound description of what true, godly love looks like. He begins by emphasizing that love is the most important virtue, even more important than spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, or knowledge. Without love, these gifts are meaningless and empty (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

Paul then goes on to describe the characteristics of love in verses 4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

These verses paint a picture of love that is selfless, enduring, and rooted in truth. This kind of love reflects the character of God Himself, as described in 1 John 4:8: "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." God's love for us is perfect and unfailing, and He calls us to love others in the same way.

When Paul says that "love never fails," he is highlighting the eternal and unchanging nature of true love. Unlike spiritual gifts, which are given for a specific purpose and time, love is a fundamental aspect of God's nature and His relationship with us. Love will never become obsolete or irrelevant; it will always be the foundation of our faith and our relationships with others.

In practical terms, living with the understanding that "love never fails" means prioritizing love in all aspects of our lives. It means choosing to act with kindness, patience, and humility, even when it is difficult. It means forgiving others and seeking reconciliation, rather than holding onto grudges or seeking revenge. It means seeking the best for others, even at the cost of our own comfort or convenience.

The idea that "love never fails" also offers hope and encouragement in the face of challenges and difficulties. In a world that is often marked by conflict, division, and uncertainty, the promise of unfailing love provides a solid foundation on which we can build our lives. It reminds us that, no matter what circumstances we face, God's love for us is constant and unchanging. As Romans 8:38-39 assures us, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Furthermore, the concept of unfailing love challenges us to reflect on the quality of our own love for others. Are we loving others with the same kind of selfless, enduring love that God has shown us? Are we willing to put aside our own desires and preferences for the sake of others? Are we committed to loving others, even when it is difficult or inconvenient?

In addition to the biblical text, many Christian writers and theologians have explored the theme of unfailing love. C.S. Lewis, in his book "The Four Loves," distinguishes between different kinds of love, including affection, friendship, romantic love, and charity (agape). He emphasizes that agape, or selfless love, is the highest form of love and the one that most closely reflects God's love for us. Lewis writes, "To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."

In this passage, Lewis captures the essence of what it means to love with an unfailing love. It requires vulnerability, selflessness, and a willingness to risk being hurt for the sake of others. But it is also the kind of love that brings true joy and fulfillment, because it is rooted in the very nature of God.

The idea that "love never fails" is also echoed in the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian who was martyred for his opposition to the Nazi regime. In his book "The Cost of Discipleship," Bonhoeffer writes about the importance of living out the love of Christ in our daily lives. He emphasizes that true love is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a commitment to act in ways that reflect the love of Christ. Bonhoeffer writes, "The love of God is not something human imagination can conceive; it is something that God has revealed to us in Jesus Christ. It is the love that led Christ to the cross, and it is the love that calls us to follow Him in self-sacrificing service to others."

In this way, Bonhoeffer highlights the sacrificial nature of true love and the call to live out that love in practical ways. This kind of love is not easy, but it is the kind of love that never fails, because it is rooted in the eternal and unchanging love of God.

In conclusion, the phrase "love never fails" from 1 Corinthians 13:8 is a powerful reminder of the enduring and unchanging nature of true love. It challenges us to prioritize love in all aspects of our lives and to love others with the same kind of selfless, enduring love that God has shown us. It offers hope and encouragement in the face of challenges and difficulties, reminding us that God's love for us is constant and unchanging. And it calls us to reflect on the quality of our own love for others, and to strive to love others in ways that reflect the love of Christ.