“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” – John 15:13
The three theological virtues are faith, hope and love. To the life of the soul, these are like food, water and air is to the body. Take away any of the three and the body dies. Take away any of the virtues and the soul dies.
A body can live three weeks without food, three days without water and three minutes without air. A soul dies just as horribly without these virtues. Worse, for the soul, these virtues are not only necessary for life but interdependent. Hope dies without faith – love dies without hope – faith dies without hope.
Now, we know as St. Paul beautifully wrote, “the greatest of these is love.”
I meditate upon this reflection as I meditate on my worldly reason to love – my beautiful wife.
This dare to love is a dare to live. For the soul which truly loves in a Christ-like way is one who truly lives.
One of my favorite movies, “Fireproof”, focuses its story upon the “Love Dare” journal and the story of a man who was selfish, angry and bitter. Through the movie by acting on each day’s Love Dare, he learned that one can’t give what one doesn’t have. Then, focusing more upon the Scriptures and centered upon God. He began to love. Until, upon his knees, he expressed the love he now had for his wife.
I did this same ‘Love Dare’ journal with my wife several years ago – without telling her. Each day adding a new task to show love. First, I found more love for her, through God – a love I never had for her before – and prior to this, I truly adored her and was deeply in love. Second, a matter of pride, it took her 18 of the 30 days to realize there was something going on.
I have written letters for my family for after I’m gone home that consoles them to know just how much I love each of them. And, that I guarantee by God, Who Himself is Love, will allow me to carry to Heaven as my greatest earthly treasure.
So I ask you – do you have a depth of love for those around you that they would not doubt in any way? I dare you, God dares you to love as deeply and passionately as He does.
“But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” – 1 John 4:8
“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” – 1 John 4:16
““For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” – John 3:15