The Greatest
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
There can be only one ‘greatest.’ Many watch shows like The Bachelor or The Bachelorette with a clear understanding that the show begins with a dozen or so suitors, and each episode at least one person falls off the list for the star to choose from until there are but two left standing. Then as the final episode airs, one is chosen. Ideally, it lasts for a lifetime, and yet sometimes it will not. Nonetheless, a choice is made as to who makes that person the greatest opportunity for happiness. Most people remember Muhammad Ali. Many argue about how he was the greatest boxer of all time. A lot of it had to do with his bragging that he was, but he also backed it up with amazing performances that left many in awe. That’s why people now simply refer to him as ‘The Greatest.’
This brings me to the very last verse of in my opinion the greatest chapter in the Bible. We often ask ourselves, “Why do faith, hope, and love,” hold such great prominence. Faith is belief in something with unequivocal conviction, and hope is the expectation of or belief in fulfilment. Those are basic and clear to understand. Love is defined as affection or attraction based on a person or interest. All three have significant and deep meanings and can vary in different degrees. We talk of phrases like ‘unending faith, relentless belief, and undying love,’ as things that will last forever, and today’s verse speaks of this. But the Bible says only one can be the greatest. Why is it love?
Love is the one thing that can never be broken. I asked myself what is it that is the greatest to me. First, I focused on ‘faith.’ The faith of Moses to do God’s will was amazing, and the focus on Abraham showing time and time again his faithfulness to God allowed him His provision to be rewarded repeatedly. But even then, there was a component of love as when a servant of Abraham was able to fulfil his mission. Upon receiving God’s favor, the servant said, ““Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”” (Genesis 24:27) If we do not have faith that Jesus is who He says He is, we cannot have a relationship with Him. But James also noted, “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless” (James 2:17)
Belief tells me it is necessary, but like faith, needs something more. For example, Jesus, talking with a Roman soldier about the soldier’s ailing servant said, ““Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.” (Matthew 8:13b) There are numerous miracles where someone’s belief cured them. Furthermore, many were left out to dry when they did not believe in Christ. Jesus, talking to the priests and elders of the Temple in Jerusalem, said, “For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.” (Matthew 21:32) But yet again, faith has just as much play as belief. The two seem almost equal, and this leads us to the last contender: love.
There is a complex and simple reason love is the greatest. The entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 delves into the complexities of love. There were five previous devotions that covered the details of love. Whether it is how love is God centered, transformative, reflective of the best in all things, or a foundation for trust, it is so much better than anything. It is not without its hiccups if wisdom and discernment. However, as a popular analogy goes, the rider can direct the elephant, but if the elephant doesn’t want to go anywhere the rider can’t move it. So, what is the simple answer? God did not believe in the world. God did not have faith in the world. But “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Love is the end all be all in our relationship with God and each other. There is nothing that cannot be overcome by love. That is not to say you will one day beat LeBron James because you can love basketball more than him. What love does say is when you find the thing God made you for and love Him and it with all of your heart, you are destined to find abundance in His kingdom and your life. Therefore, when asked about the most important commandment, “Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39) Let us remember that God’s love is the best thing bar none, and it can never be broken. What ways can you find to deepen your love for God? Is there an area of faith or belief that could use love? Better yet, are there things in your life you do not love that you need to get rid of? My prayer is that we love on God and others because quite simply, it is the greatest. Amen.