Our introduction to 1 Corinthians 13, which is important because it defines love as the most essential virtue, surpassing spiritual gifts like prophecy or knowledge. Paul argues that without love, even great acts of faith and sacrifice are meaningless. The chapter emphasizes that love is a patient, kind, and selfless action that builds up the church, providing a model for Christian community and worship that was lacking in the disunity of the Corinthian church.