"Love . . . believes all things, hopes all things . . ."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Three words describe the power of a genuine Christian life. Those words are faith, hope and love. As you read the letters of the apostle Paul, he often mentions these three gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are the abiding gifts for every Christian everywhere at all times (1 Cor. 13:13). These words summarize the very essence of Christian living. Let me illustrate. Think of a triangle. You cannot have a triangle without three lines drawn together. So it is in the Christian life. It is three abiding gifts of the Holy Spirit drawn together in Christ.
Most of us would like to have great faith. Yet, the Scripture warns us that great faith without love is nothing. "Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing" (1 Cor. 13:2). Love is the theme. Love is supreme. The three abiding gifts of the Spirit cannot be separated. They work together. They grow together. Love is the greatest gift. As we grow in love, we likewise grow in faith and hope.
What is the secret to the victorious Christian life? Make no mistake, it is love. "Love never fails" (1 Cor. 13:8). As we grow in the love of God, we shall likewise grow in faith and hope. Love comes to us as sinners through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Love assures us of real communion with the Holy Spirit. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen" (2 Cor. 13:14). Love is God's best for you, because God is love (1 John 4:8).
Prayer: Father, I receive Your best for me. I receive Your love through Jesus Christ. Amen.
