December 6
Faith, Hope,
and Love Remain
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Daily Steps
This final entry on Hope and Expectation brings the believer's focus back to the foundational, enduring virtues of the Christian life. After all the spiritual gifts (Day 318) and temporary practices have passed away, the Bible declares that three essential virtues—faith, hope, and love—will remain. This secures our understanding of what truly matters in this life and the next.
The peace in this principle is found in abiding virtues:
The Enduring Trio: The statement And now these three remain: faith, hope and love reminds us that the qualities we cultivate now are not temporary. Our faith (Day 254) in Christ, our hope (Day 341) in His return, and our love (Day 317) for God and neighbor are eternal realities that will continue to define our relationship with God forever.
Faith and Hope's Future: While our faith is based on things unseen (Day 254), it will be sight when Christ returns (Day 341). While our hope is the anchor for the unseen future (Day 340), it will be realized when that future arrives. These virtues change in form, but they endure as the basis of our relationship with the Eternal God.
The Supremacy of Love: But the greatest of these is love. This is the crowning virtue, the fulfillment of the law, and the first and most essential fruit of the Spirit (Day 317). In heaven, where sight replaces faith and reality replaces hope, love will be the unending, perfect mode of our relationship with God and one another (The Ultimate Love, Day 218).
Your peace is secured by abiding virtues. Embrace Hope and Expectation today by prioritizing love in every interaction. Live with steadfastness (Day 339), purifying yourself (Day 341) through faith, fueled by hope, and demonstrated completely by the supremacy of love.
Reflective Question
If love is the greatest virtue, how does that truth challenge the way you spend your time, energy, and resources (Day 330) today? What is one specific way you can intentionally choose to demonstrate the supremacy of love in your fellowship or family?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to chase temporary things and prioritize secondary matters. I thank You for revealing the three things that remain: faith, hope and love. I pray for the grace to cherish and cultivate these abiding virtues, and especially for the Holy Spirit's power to make love the defining characteristic of my life. Secure my peace today in the supremacy of love, now and for eternity. Amen.
