THE GREATEST…IS LOVE
Christianity is first and foremost a relationship. The fellowship we were created to enjoy was broken by sin. But when we place our faith in Christ, we enter once again into a right relationship with the living God. That renewed connection, in turn, impacts the rest of our relationships – with family, with other believers, even with unbelievers. The cornerstone of those ties is love – the self- sacrificial passion to do what is best for another (agape). When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:35- 40), He pointed to the command to love (agape) God with all your heart, soul and mind (Deut. 6:5) and its companion command – love (agape) your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18). To love God is the greatest command. To love others is a close second. Love is the greatest when compared to faith and hope (I Cor. 13:13). Love is what compelled Christ to endure the cross and love is why the Father sent Him. During this season when we celebrate human love, let’s not forget; “We love Him (and everyone else), because He first loved us” (I John 4:19).