Today’s Manna!
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13
In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul concludes his beautiful discourse on love by stating, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This verse encapsulates the enduring nature of these three virtues and emphasizes the supreme importance of love.
Paul’s mention of faith, hope, and love highlights their fundamental role in the Christian life. Faith is our trust and belief in God and His promises. It is the foundation upon which our relationship with God is built. Hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised, and it fuels our perseverance and strength during trials. Love, however, is described as the greatest because it is the very essence of God’s nature and the ultimate fulfillment of His commandments.
While faith and hope are crucial, love transcends them because it directly reflects God’s character. Love is the driving force behind faith and hope. Without love, faith can become legalistic and hope can turn into mere wishful thinking. Love gives life and meaning to these virtues, making them vibrant and effective.
An inspiring example of the primacy of love is found in the life of Jesus Christ. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated faith, hope, and love, with love being the most evident and impactful. One particular instance is when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet in John 13:1-17. This act of humility and service, performed just before His crucifixion, exemplified the depth of His love for His disciples.
Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet was not just an act of service but a profound demonstration of love that transcended social norms and expectations. He emphasized this by telling His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Jesus’ love was sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative, setting the ultimate example for us to follow.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of faith, hope, and love. Help us to grow in these virtues, with love being the greatest among them. Teach us to love others as You have loved us, reflecting Your nature in our daily lives. May our actions be motivated by genuine love, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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