The Advent of Faith, Hope and Love
12/09/2023
"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
- 1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV
As we end this first week of Advent, let’s remember this is a season of joyful anticipation and preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Each Advent candle we light represents the virtues that shine brightly in the life of Christ and guide us in our own spiritual journey. Today, as we end a week of hope, we also experience faith and love as beautifully expressed in our passage today.
Throughout the Bible, we come across numerous virtues that are praised and recommended. But amidst all these qualities, the Apostle Paul boldly declares that the greatest of them all is love. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, he writes, "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Faith, hope, and love are three essential aspects of the Christian life. They are interconnected and complementary, each playing a unique role in our spiritual journey. Without faith, we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). Without hope, we may find ourselves lost in despair and discouragement. But above all, it is love that stands as the pinnacle of Christian virtue.
Why does Paul elevate love above faith and hope? Love is the very essence of God's character and nature. God is love (1 John 4:8), and He has lavished His love upon us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Love is what motivated God to send His Son into the world, to reconcile us to Himself, and to offer us the gift of eternal life (John 3:16). Love is the driving force behind everything God does.
Love is also an expression of our faith. The Bible tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). True faith is not merely theoretical or intellectual; it is active and tangible. It is demonstrated through acts of love and kindness towards others. Our love for God is revealed through our love for our fellow human beings (1 John 4:20-21). Love is the evidence of our faith.
Additionally, love gives us hope. When we experience the unfailing love of God, it brings hope to our hearts. Love assures us that we are never alone and that God will never abandon us. Love provides comfort in times of distress and peace in the midst of chaos. Love gives us hope for a better tomorrow and fuels our perseverance in difficult circumstances.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this love. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Our love should extend to our families, friends, enemies, and even strangers. It should be sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional - just as Christ loved us.
Let us remember that love is not just a feeling or an emotion; it is a deliberate choice and action. It requires sacrifice, forgiveness, and humility. Love is patient and kind; it does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Today, let us strive to cultivate love in our hearts. Let us seek to love others as Christ has loved us. As we grow in our love for God and for one another, we will experience the transformative power of love that surpasses all understanding. May love become the defining characteristic of our lives, reflecting the very heart of our Heavenly Father.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
- 1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV
As we end this first week of Advent, let’s remember this is a season of joyful anticipation and preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Each Advent candle we light represents the virtues that shine brightly in the life of Christ and guide us in our own spiritual journey. Today, as we end a week of hope, we also experience faith and love as beautifully expressed in our passage today.
Throughout the Bible, we come across numerous virtues that are praised and recommended. But amidst all these qualities, the Apostle Paul boldly declares that the greatest of them all is love. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, he writes, "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Faith, hope, and love are three essential aspects of the Christian life. They are interconnected and complementary, each playing a unique role in our spiritual journey. Without faith, we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). Without hope, we may find ourselves lost in despair and discouragement. But above all, it is love that stands as the pinnacle of Christian virtue.
Why does Paul elevate love above faith and hope? Love is the very essence of God's character and nature. God is love (1 John 4:8), and He has lavished His love upon us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Love is what motivated God to send His Son into the world, to reconcile us to Himself, and to offer us the gift of eternal life (John 3:16). Love is the driving force behind everything God does.
Love is also an expression of our faith. The Bible tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). True faith is not merely theoretical or intellectual; it is active and tangible. It is demonstrated through acts of love and kindness towards others. Our love for God is revealed through our love for our fellow human beings (1 John 4:20-21). Love is the evidence of our faith.
Additionally, love gives us hope. When we experience the unfailing love of God, it brings hope to our hearts. Love assures us that we are never alone and that God will never abandon us. Love provides comfort in times of distress and peace in the midst of chaos. Love gives us hope for a better tomorrow and fuels our perseverance in difficult circumstances.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this love. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Our love should extend to our families, friends, enemies, and even strangers. It should be sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional - just as Christ loved us.
Let us remember that love is not just a feeling or an emotion; it is a deliberate choice and action. It requires sacrifice, forgiveness, and humility. Love is patient and kind; it does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Today, let us strive to cultivate love in our hearts. Let us seek to love others as Christ has loved us. As we grow in our love for God and for one another, we will experience the transformative power of love that surpasses all understanding. May love become the defining characteristic of our lives, reflecting the very heart of our Heavenly Father.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
Posted in Advent Reflections, Courage, Faith and Spirituality, God\\\'s Love, Hope and Comfort
Posted in Advent, Love, Faith In Jesus, Hope, Christian Inspiration
Posted in Advent, Love, Faith In Jesus, Hope, Christian Inspiration
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