Mormon’s language here is unmistakably similar to Paul’s language in his epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Certainly both could have received independent revelations from the Lord on the same matter. In offering an alternative explanation, Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: “Both Paul and Mormon expounded with great inspiration about faith, hope, and charity, in many verses using the same words and phrases. If there is any difference between them it is that Mormon expounds the doctrines more perfectly and persuasively than does Paul. It does not take much insight to know that Mormon and Paul both had before them the writings of some Old Testament prophet on the same subjects.” (“The Doctrinal Restoration,” in The Joseph Smith Translation: The Restoration of Plain and Precious Things, p. 18.)