²² Now that you have purified^(A) yourselves by obeying^(B) the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply,^(C) from the heart.^{[a] 23} For you have been born again,^(D) not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,^(E) through the living and enduring word of God.^(F)

³¹ Now eagerly desire^(A) the greater gifts.

Love Is Indispensable

And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

¹³ For we were all baptized^(A) by^[a] one Spirit^(B) so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free^(C)—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.^(D)

⁶ For in Christ Jesus^(A) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.^(B) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.^(C)

³ We remember before our God and Father^(A) your work produced by faith,^(B) your labor prompted by love,^(C) and your endurance inspired by hope^(D) in our Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s Love and Ours

⁷ Dear friends, let us love one another,^(A) for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God^(B) and knows God.^(C)