Faith, Hope, and Love

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)

This verse is included in what is popularly referred to as “The Love Chapter.”

Human love is flawed. Everyone knows this truth. We can’t love perfectly because we aren’t perfect.

Consider your own relationships.

The love for your child is so deep yet sometimes you feel as if you hear them whine one more time, your ears will explode! The love for your spouse is strong but there are situations when they annoy you so much you begin to wonder how could I have fallen in love with you? (You know you’ve been there!)

Love is a powerful force in our lives but so are faith and hope. Why did God say love was the greatest?

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…” The act of faith will no longer need to exist once we meet our Savior face to face.

Hope will no longer be needed once our life is over because all we hoped for in our earthly life will be in heaven.

In contrast to faith and hope, love lasts an eternity. Love will be perfected in heaven; we will love God and each other perfectly.

God describes love as patient and kind. It believes, hopes, and endures all things. It is not arrogant, irritable, resentful, or rude.

As mere humans, we only do our best at loving each other but God is love. 1 John 4:8 says “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Dear Lord, let my heart be full of hope, faith, and love. Let me show love to the people you put in my path today.