And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
The Greatest is Love
According to a report from Cardus, “among young adults who are married or intend to marry, nearly half selected “proof of love and commitment” as the main reason for their decision. The second most frequently selected answer for currently married respondents was “cultural, moral, or religious reasons,” and for those intending to marry it was “next logical step.” “Legal protections and financial security” was the least selected reason among married respondents and third least selected reason among partnered young adults intending to marry their current partner.”
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There are lots of important things we are called to as followers of Christ. In all things we are to represent Jesus in our attitude and actions. The fruit of the Spirit ought to be evident in every conversation and everything we do. In other words, we are to be like Jesus. But one aspect of the Christian life ought to rise above the rest. Paul the apostle makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” So much of this world is going to pass away. Only those things that have eternal value will last. One day we will not need to walk by faith – we will see face to face. One day there will be no need for hope. All of our dreams and longings will be completely fulfilled. This is why Paul says that the greatest thing in all the world, that which will last forever, is love. We will spend eternity expressing the perfect love of Jesus to all who will be spending eternity with us. In all things, in this life and the next, love.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley