“And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – I Corinthians 13:13
It’s that time of year again—when the card makers and the candy companies compel us to send gifts to the ones we love. It reminds me of Christmas when the world is compelled to remember Jesus—at least for one day.
Years ago I was introduced to Henry Drummond’s book The Greatest Thing in the World. I have made a habit of reading it often, and I have given the little book away to many. Find it, order it, read it, meditate upon it. It will be a blessing to you.
I love his book because it caused me to love God more than ever before. Mr. Drummond beautifully reminded me why love is the greatest thing in the world—not fame or faith, not martyrdom, not even spiritual gifts. Love is the greatest thing because God is love. God is infinite in all His characteristics, but love is His very essence. This “Greatest Thing” has the power to change you, me, and the world, if only we would become what we behold!
Jesus spent much of His earthly life talking to us about love. He taught us that love was the fulfilling of the law of Moses. How? If I love as I should, I will not worship idols because I love God and only God. If I love my parents, I will honor them. If I love my neighbor, I will not take his wife or his things. If I love God as I should, I will worship Him gladly. Truly love is the fulfillment of the law.
What about love under the New Testament? Jesus said, I give you a new commandment; love one another. John 13:34. What was new about that? This was a love not based on how you love yourself (love your neighbor as yourself) but a “self-abandoning, self-sacrificial” love. This love would be of God, the love that loves enemies, that lays down his life for his friends, and that will deny self for God and others. (Matt 16:24; John 15:13; I John 4:7-8)
This is the higher love Jesus commanded and exhibited. This is the love we endeavor to give as we seek to be like our Savior—not one day but every day of our lives!
“Upon the entire human race,
To prove them born above,
The Father stooped His name to trace,
The signature is Love” – Coffman
– Debbie Kea
