And now these three remain: faith hope love. But the greatest of these is love.
~1 Corinthians 13:13~
Faith in the bible
God works in a supernatural way with those that have the spiritual gift of faith.
Now let’s remember that the spiritual gifts are not just for our own benefit. The spiritual gifts are for the edification of the church.
That means our gift of faith is used to encourage our brothers and sisters and to give them hope when things seem impossible.
Also, we are called to spread the gospel to the nations.
We need a special kind of faith to know that God is coming along with us to speak to complete strangers about the Kingdom of God.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, (1 Corinthians 12:9)
Hope in the bible
Hope is a gift because without it we would not have anything to hold on to.
If we look around at the madness that is happening around us could you just imagine what it would be like if we didn’t have hope.
It is what gets us through each day that tomorrow might be a little better.
Fortunately, our hope is in Christ and in the promises that God has made to us as His sons and daughters.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:24-25)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
Love in the bible
Different Types of Love
- Storge – affection / family love
- Philia – friendship / brotherly love
- Eros – romantic love
- Agape – God’s unconditional love
The greatest of these is love
When Paul says that the greatest of these is love, it’s no surprise, because we know God is love.
Love is the greatest gift because in that love is where we find our God.
It is so significant that Paul goes to great lengths to describe its importance.
We can achieve great things but if we do not show love to others then it’s all for nothing.
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
This is the portion of the scripture that we always hear at weddings. It gives the description of what love should look like; the ideal manifestation of love.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love Never Fails
I think we need to pay close attention to this portion of the scriptures. We usually focus on the previous verses. This part right here makes it very clear that everything else will go away.
If you look at what is mentioned this is usually what we desire. Prophesy, tongues and knowledge!
Paul mentions that we only have these things in part. Meaning, no matter how much we prophesy, or speak in tongues or how much we know… it will all disappear.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. (1 Corinthians 13:8-9)
We are supposed to desire the gifts for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ but that cannot be the only thing we focus on. Knowledge puffs up but love builds up!
Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:31)
Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:1)
Love must be our focus!
Love our co-workers, love our InstaCart drivers, love the cashier at Target. The list is endless. If they are breathing we can love them!
Can you imagine what our lives would be like if we put more focus on love?
We would be more effective winning souls. Instead we want to show how much bible we know, or how gifted we are. Guess what, no one cares!
People need us to show them love because they are hurting and we have what they need.
We need to be the example of the true meaning of faith hope love.
I wear many hats; Wife, Mom, Minister, Blogger and Entrepreneur.
It’s not easy juggling everything but with the Grace of God, I can do all things!
My plate is full but my cup runneth over!!
Beautiful post!
Great post and great reminder to be a “doer of the word” and not just a “hearer” (or a writer or a speaker) of the word. Put it into action and not just in word.