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

In 1 Corinthians 13 - known as the ‘love chapter’ - Paul underscores the role of love in a Christian’s life. Throughout this chapter, God exalts Christlike character more than faith, spiritual gifts, ministry, or even martyrdom (v. 1-3). Even so, the Church often heralds the attributes of faith, despite the apostle’s mandate to seek love above those other virtues.

During the late Senator Edward Kennedy’s battle with brain cancer, his family noted that he always had hope. Undoubtely, hope is a needed and admirable characteristic. Hope fuels faith and throws us a lifeline in times of adversity. Hope possesses the promise of a brighter day.

And who can deny the power of faith? Throughout history, faith has closed the mouths of lions, opened blinded eyes, and saved countless lost souls. And the scriptures note that without it we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Yet as wonderful as these qualities are, it is love that God deems the greatest. Love lasts and never fails. It is patient, kind, unselfish, and honest; it never keeps a record of wrongs or delights in evil. In a word, love is God. And there is no One greater.