[369 words]
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).
Have you ever wondered why it is that love is the greatest? I mean, faith and hope are two powerful elements of our Christian lives. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:4). Hope plays a part in anchoring our soul (Heb. 6:19). But love is more powerful. Love is the root of faith and hope. We have faith and hope only in that which we love. “Many waters cannot quench love” (Song of Solomon 8:7). “Love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8).
Paul lists several Christian responsibilities in Col 2:12-13; duties like kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Then after giving the list, in verse 14, Paul through inspiration writes: “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Love is what cements all of the Christian virtues together, helping to make our lives complete. If we are to ever express kindness and forgiveness, we must first possess love. Love takes action and does good things. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
And think about this: faith and hope are for the here and now, but love will be forever. Love is something that has always been around – and always will be. God, who is eternal (Psa. 90:2) is also described in 1 John 4:8 as love. God is love. He always has been and He always will be love. His love transcends all time and temporality (Rom. 8:35-38). “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3). “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Psa. 136:1, ESV).
Love is powerful. Love is beneficial. Love is eternal. It seems to me that love is really important. Maybe it’s time we started expressing and practicing love more.
“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Pet. 1:22).
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY