1Corinthians 13:13. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
THE GREATEST OF THESE. The words are there like angels' sound – but noisy, cheap, tinkling: insincere. The gifts are there – impressive, knowledgeable, mysterious: powerless. The faith is there – like earthquakes, earthmovers, overwhelming: hard as nails. The works are there – food for the hungry, needs met, body parts given away: no love.
But… Patient – when I have a right to be impatient. Kind – when nobody sees or knows. Generous – when not expecting recognition. Humble – that doesn’t have to be pretended. Courteous – even when no one cares or even notices. Unselfishness – that wants the best for the others. Good temper – evenness when pressured. Guiless – not trying to second-guess anyone. Sincere – I really mean what I say.
And... Wronged and yet maintains a kindly spirit – love. Humble in character without advertising – love. Wants the best for others without being foolish – love. Thinks the best, so doesn’t display anger – love. Rejoices in God’s purposes, not others’ failures – love.
So... Is not hasty but patient; is not boastful but unostentatious Is not inconsiderate but benevolent; is not arrogant but humble Is not envious but content; is not rude but courteous Is not irritable but good tempered; is not selfish but self-forgetting Is not vindictive but generous; is not malevolent but high-principled Is not rebellious but brave; is not suspicious but confident Is not conquerable but indomitable; is not despondent but undiscouraged – this is LOVE!
It rises high above all others as sovereign in the human heart; as sovereign in the human mind; as sovereign in the human will – it is Christ in you! Love never faileth! LOVE IS THE GREATEST!
“Of all evidence of Christ-like character a human could have, Father, love is the greatest. In every part of His walk here on earth among men, it was plain to see He loved His Father and He loved us. I want to be like this when people look at me – to know I love Thee and them. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”