Love is Greatest
1 Cor 13:13… but the greatest of these is charity.
It is said that we can give without loving but we cannot love without giving. Actions by themselves are meaningless, but fueled by motivation of love, it gives rise to the greatest of expression. A child motivated by love for paralysed parents will sacrifice much to ensure that the parents are taken care of ; poverty-stricken parents motivated by parental instinct of love and compassion for their child will do ALL they can to secure their child’s future, to the point of personal suffering and pain. Paul mentions that now abideth faith hope and charity. When prophecies, and tongues and miracles have ceased, faith , hope and charity still remains. Why is charity the greatest of the three?
- Faith and hope is necessary for personal growth and development, but Charity influences society, helps others and unites the church. As believers, we are certain that by our faith in Christ, we will be saved forever, and by our hope in Christ, we will one day see Him. AS we live on earth, the personal faith and hope assists and facilitates our personal increase in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But charity thinks on others, and binds man to man. It unites Christians to serve Christ and endure under severe persecution. Love for each other fuels sacrifice for others and increases kindness to help others.
- Faith will become sight and hope will be realized in Heaven but love continues for all eternity. There is no end to love. The nail prints in the hands of Christ in heaven is an eternal testimony of His love for us. When we sit in His presence we will sing of His love for us, we will praise Him for His unconditional and sacrificial love for us at the cross.
- Love is the greatest because without it, all efforts for Christ and His kingdom, all kindness to fellow men, all sacrifices made, all deeds done for others, is nothing. Because it is written: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 1 Cor 13:1 Holiness sanctifies, love edifies.
Dear brethren, is there the heart of love for each other? Is there genuine love that will be stronger than the severest trial? That is God’s love. Let us keep in the love of GOD
Evangelist – Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist C hurch