Bible Truth FAQs
WHY LOVE IS THE GREATEST ATTRIBUTE
I Cor. 13 is known as the "love chapter" of the Bible. The word "charity" used throughout means love. The Apostle Paul expounded on the various aspects and the importance of love, concluding with, "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity."
Faith is vital to acceptable living. Without it, one cannot be pleasing to God (Heb. 11:6). It is obtained by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17) and not by prayer, as many are led to believe. But faith 1s temporary in that it is based on what is not seen (II Cor. 5:7; Heb. 11:1). Upon Christ's return, faith will be lost 1n sight.
Hope, like faith, is temporary in that we expect to receive that which has been promised, that which is not yet seen (Rom. 8:24-25). When all these promises of eternal import are fulfilled, there will be no more occasion for hope.
The Apostle John said (I John 4:16), "God is love." Love is eternal, whereas other characteristics shall fail. Therefore, love is the greatest attribute of all.
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