Just as the body functions and is animated by organic processes, in the Church these are carried out by the super charism of love. At this point, Paul’s language becomes lyrical as he praises love.
How can this love be explained? Setting aside all definitions, Paul passionately dismisses and relativizes every human gift, quality, effort, renunciation, and sacrifice that is not motivated by love-charity (1-3). Then, he explains how a person who loves behaves (4-7), concluding that, ultimately, when we meet God face to face, faith and hope will have fulfilled their purpose and only love will endure forever. Only love for Christ and His body, now inseparable, can create community. As St. John of the Cross said, “on the last day we will be examined on love.”