AMY TURNER

In First Corinthians 13, often called the love chapter, Paul names three lasting virtues: faith, hope, and love. He ends by saying that love is the greatest of them all. This raises the question: Why does Scripture place love above the others?

Faith and hope are vital for life today. Faith helps us trust in what we cannot see, and hope looks forward to what God has promised. But one day, both will no longer be needed. In eternity, we will see God clearly, leaving no room for doubt or questions. The things we once hoped for will be fully present. Faith and hope will have served their purpose and come to an end.

Love, however, never ends. It is eternal. Love is not only lasting; it is also the most godlike quality. Could this be why Paul points us toward love as the highest virtue?

In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Colossians 3:14