“But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love.” : 1 Corinthians 13:13
1 Corinthians 13:13 encapsulates one of the most profound teachings on the virtues of faith, hope, and love within the Christian tradition.
This verse from the New Testament, penned by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, highlights these three virtues as enduring pillars of the Christian life.
Paul places them in a context of permanence, suggesting that while many things in life may pass away, these three virtues—faith, hope, and love—will always remain. Among them, he elevates love as the greatest, emphasizing its supreme importance in the life of a believer.
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The verse begins with “But now,” indicating a contrast with what has been discussed earlier in the passage.
In the preceding verses of 1 Corinthians 13, Paul eloquently describes the ephemeral nature of certain gifts and actions without love. He speaks of the futility of speaking in tongues, prophecy, knowledge, and even self-sacrifice if they are not motivated by love.
It is in this context of transience and impermanence that Paul introduces the enduring qualities of faith, hope, and love.
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“Faithful Trust, Hopeful Expectation, Unconditional Love” beautifully captures the essence of these virtues. Faith, the first mentioned, refers to a steadfast trust in God and His promises.
In the Bible, faith is often portrayed as the bedrock of the Christian life, the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
It is a deep, abiding trust in God’s character, His faithfulness, and His ability to fulfill His promises. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a personal, active trust that shapes one’s entire life.
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Hope, the second virtue mentioned, goes hand in hand with faith. It is a hopeful expectation of the future fulfillment of God’s promises. In the midst of trials and challenges, hope gives believers the strength to persevere, knowing that God is working all things for their good (Romans 8:28).
Hope looks beyond present circumstances to the eternal realities of God’s kingdom, where every tear will be wiped away, and every sorrow will be turned to joy (Revelation 21:4). It is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19).
Finally, Paul declares that the greatest of these virtues is love. He uses the Greek word “agape,” which refers to a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of others.
This love is not based on feelings or circumstances but is a choice—an act of the will to extend grace and compassion to others, even when it is difficult.
In the Bible, love is described as the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10) and the defining characteristic of God Himself (1 John 4:8). It is a love that never fails, persevering through every trial and tribulation.
Throughout the Bible, these three virtues of faith, hope, and love are intertwined, each supporting and reinforcing the others.
In the Old Testament, we see examples of faithful trust in figures like Abraham, who believed God’s promise of a son despite his old age (Genesis 15:6).
Hope shines brightly in the stories of Joseph, who clung to the promise of God’s deliverance even in the darkest of times (Genesis 50:20). And love is beautifully exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the salvation of humanity (John 3:16).
Literary references throughout the Bible echo the sentiments of 1 Corinthians 13:13. In the book of Hebrews, the author writes, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
This echoes the sentiment of Paul regarding the enduring nature of faith and hope.
In Romans, Paul writes extensively about the power of God’s love, declaring, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
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