Love is a central theme in the Bible and is highlighted as one of the most important virtues. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (ESV). This verse comes in the middle of Paul’s famous treatise on love in 1 Corinthians 13, where he eloquently describes the supremacy and necessity of love. But what exactly does Paul mean when he says that love is the “greatest” of faith, hope, and love? Below we will explore the biblical understanding of love and why it is considered greater than other virtues.
To begin, it is important to understand the context of 1 Corinthians 13. Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian church which was struggling with divisions, immorality, and spiritual pride. Against this backdrop, Paul explains that love is essential to true spirituality and unity within the church. The Corinthians prized spectacular spiritual gifts like prophecy and speaking in tongues, but Paul wanted them to understand that without love, these gifts are meaningless. He writes, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1). Even faith and hope pale in comparison to love: “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).
Paul then goes on to describe love and its qualities in glowing terms. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful” (1 Cor. 13:4-5). He emphasizes that love bears, believes, hopes and endures all things (v. 7). This paints a picture of love as an active, selfless force that unites and builds up others. Faith and hope are important, but love is greater because it drives and fulfills them. As commentator Craig Keener writes, “Love is greater than either faith or hope because it encompasses them both.”
The supremacy of love is rooted in the very nature of God, who is defined in the Bible as love (1 John 4:8, 16). Everything God does flows out of His perfect, unconditional love. His love motivated Him to send His Son Jesus into the world to save us (John 3:16). Jesus then commanded His followers to “love one another: just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This agape love reflects the very character of God.
As 1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” Our ability to love comes from knowing God, who modeled perfect love. The more we prioritize loving God and others, the more we become like Christ and experience the fullness of life in God. As Jesus said, the two greatest commandments are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-39). These call us to all-encompassing love for God and others.
There are several reasons why the Bible elevates love as the supreme virtue:
1. Love is eternal – In 1 Corinthians 13:8, Paul writes that love “never ends.” It lasts forever because God Himself is eternal love. Other gifts like prophecy will pass away, but love remains into eternity because it flows from the heart of God.
2. Love fulfills the entire law – In Romans 13:10, Paul says “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Love actively does good to others, fulfilling the essence of God’s commands. Jesus similarly said love sums up “the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12).
3. Love reflects God’s character – As 1 John 4:8 states, “God is love.” Love comes from God and conforming to His nature. When we love, we bear witness to God’s character and participate in His work in the world. This brings Him glory.
4. Love is necessary for true community – Without love binding Christians together, the church fragments into factions. Love humbly considers others more important than self (Phil. 2:3). This fosters spiritual unity.
5. Love motivates moral living – Paul emphasizes love as the motivator behind moral actions. Knowledge alone is not enough. “The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith” (1 Tim. 1:5). Love empowers righteousness.
6. Love is the greatest virtue – In Colossians 3:14, Paul writes “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Out of all virtues, including faith and hope, love holds the place of primacy because it brings every other virtue together in unity and purpose.
The Bible describes several specific ways that living with sacrificial, Christ-centered love should define the Christian life:
– Loving other Christians – John 13:34 states, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” Loving fellow believers is a primary way we emulate Christ.
– Loving neighbors – Luke 10:27 notes, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Loving those near to us reflects Christ’s love for humanity.
– Loving enemies – In Matthew 5:44, Jesus commanded us to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Loving those who oppose us follows Christ’s supreme example of forgiving love.
– Serving others – Galatians 5:13 states, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Love motivates us to serve and build up others.
– Giving generously – 1 John 3:17 states, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” Love gives freely, just as God gave us His Son.
– Showing mercy – As Ephesians 4:32 notes, we are to be “kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Our love reflects God’s merciful forgiveness to us.
– Speaking truth – Ephesians 4:15 notes, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” We must speak truth, but always motivated by love.
– Building others up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 states, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…” Love seeks to strengthen and edify others.
– Meeting needs – Romans 12:13 notes, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Loving generously meets the needs of God’s people.
– Being patient – 1 Corinthians 13:4 states, “Love is patient…” It bears with others even when difficult.
– Not keeping record of wrongs – 1 Corinthians 13:5 notes that love “is not resentful.” It doesn’t keep score but is quick to forgive.
– Bearing all things – 1 Corinthians 13:7 states, “Love bears all things.” Empowered by God, love perseveres through hardship.
In summary, for the Christian, love is meant to be the foundation and guide for every thought, word, and deed. As Paul wrote, “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor. 16:14). Love’s qualities – patience, kindness, mercy, sincerity, humility, and perseverance – reflect the very character of Christ at work within us, shaping us into His image. This is why love is greater than faith and hope. Love puts faith and hope into action. It is the activating force empowering our relationship with God and others. Though spiritual gifts are wonderful, they are meaningless without love. That is why love is the greatest – it brings every virtue together in unity, fulfills the entire law, directly reflects God’s nature, and will endure forever. As Christians, we must live lives marked by passionate, Christ-centered love. For now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.