September 13, “the greatest of these”
But the greatest of these is love – Part ThreeI Corinthians 13:13
(Part One - Sept. 10; Part Two - Sept. 12)
What amazing promises. Love protects all things. Love believes all things, love hopes all things, love endures all things, and love never fails (I Corinthians 13:7-8). These eternal expressions of love come as a result of the divine directives given throughout I Corinthians 13.
Love protects all things. This idea comes from a word that indicates bearing up under a safe covering. True love always seeks the very best of the other. True love never demands nor attempts control, but offers a safe and secure relationship. If one follows God’s divine directives of love, the outcome is always a love that protects.
Love believes all things. Love never loses trust. Love never deceives nor betrays. Love is always trusting and trustworthy. When following God’s directives of love, this will always be the result.
Love hopes all things. Genuine love looks forward in the hope of God, trusting that God will bring the fulfillment of His perfect will into the relationship. This hope most certainly waits upon the Lord and trusts His provisions and guidance. When following God’s directions for love, this becomes reality.
Love endures all things. True love stands the test of hardships and never gives in to the weaknesses of human personalities. True love is always without condition. When following God’s directives of love, this will always be the outcome.
So, love protects all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. In summary, love never fails. This indicates that God’s directives of love, and the promises that follow, can always be depended upon as absolutely true without exception. If we act in true love, there will always be success in our interactions and relationships with others. So, today, recommit to living moment by moment in the love God offers. His love should be your only guide as you relate to those around you everyday. For, there is nothing greater.
"The greatest of these is love!"
Blessings.