The phrase “but love is greater” echoes a timeless truth that is as relevant today as it was when Paul penned it in 1 Corinthians 13:13.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
In this single verse, the Apostle Paul highlights love as the highest and most enduring virtue, surpassing even faith and hope. Why is love greater? Because it is the essence of God’s nature, the foundation of His plan for humanity, and the ultimate goal of every believer’s life. Yet, as we look at our world today, it is painfully clear that love is not reigning. Division, hatred, selfishness, and indifference have taken their place, leaving humanity fractured and longing for something deeper.
In this exploration, we will examine why love is greater, how its absence has contributed to the brokenness of modern society, and how reclaiming the power of love can transform the world.
1. Why Is Love Greater?
a) Love Is the Nature of God
Love is not just something God does—it is who He is. 1 John 4:8 declares:
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
This statement reveals the profound truth that love is the very nature of God. Every act of grace, mercy, and salvation flows from His love. Creation itself is an expression of His love, as is His plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ. Faith allows us to believe in God, and hope sustains us through trials, but love is the essence of God’s relationship with us. Without love, faith and hope lose their meaning.
b) Love Is Eternal
Faith and hope are virtues for this life. Faith will give way to sight when we see God face-to-face, and hope will be fulfilled when His promises come to pass. But love is eternal. It will remain forever, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:8.
“Love never fails.”
In eternity, love will be the defining reality of God’s kingdom. This makes it the greatest of all virtues because it is the one that endures beyond time.
c) Love Transforms Lives
Love is transformative in a way that nothing else can be. It heals broken hearts, mends relationships, and restores dignity to the oppressed. 1 Peter 4:8 reminds us:
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This love is not a shallow emotion but a deep commitment to seek the best for others. It reflects God’s sacrificial love and calls us to live selflessly.
2. The Lack of Love in Today’s World
Despite the power of love, we live in a world where it is often absent. The lack of true, godly love is evident in the following ways:
a) A Divided Society
Modern society is deeply divided along lines of race, politics, religion, and ideology. Instead of fostering unity, these divisions breed hostility, suspicion, and hatred. Social media amplifies these divisions, often encouraging people to attack others rather than understand them.
The command of Jesus in John 13:34—
“A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
is often ignored in favour of winning arguments or defending personal beliefs. The result is a fractured society where love is replaced by animosity.
b) Selfishness and Consumerism
In today’s world, love is often overshadowed by selfishness and the pursuit of personal gain. The culture of individualism teaches people to prioritise their own needs and desires above others. Love, which is inherently selfless, is often seen as weakness.
Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 stands in stark contrast to this mindset:
“Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonour others; it is not self-seeking.”
In a society driven by consumerism and competition, this kind of love is rare. People are valued for what they can provide rather than for who they are, and relationships often become transactional.
c) Indifference to Suffering
One of the most glaring signs of a lack of love is indifference to the suffering of others. Poverty, injustice, and conflict persist not because they are unsolvable but because too many people choose to ignore them.
The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) illustrates this problem. While the priest and the Levite passed by the injured man without helping, the Samaritan demonstrated true love by stopping to care for him. Today, many people are like the priest and the Levite, too preoccupied with their own concerns to extend compassion to those in need.
d) A Distorted Understanding of Love
In contemporary culture, love is often reduced to romantic attraction or fleeting emotions. This distorted view of love fails to capture the depth of the Biblical definition, which is rooted in commitment, sacrifice, and action. True love, as described in Scripture, seeks the best for others, even at great personal cost.
3. Why Love Must Be Restored
a) Love Is the Fulfillment of God’s Law
Love is not optional for believers—it is the fulfilment of God’s commands. Romans 13:10 states:
“Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore, love is the fulfilment of the law.”
Without love, religious practices become hollow. Jesus emphasised this truth in Matthew 22:37-40, summarising the entire law in two commandments:
- Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
- Love your neighbour as yourself.
b) Love Is the Antidote to Hatred
In a world filled with hatred and division, love is the only force powerful enough to overcome these evils. 1 John 4:18 reminds us:
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
Hatred thrives on fear and ignorance, but love fosters understanding and reconciliation. It breaks down barriers and builds bridges.
c) Love Reveals God to the World
Jesus declared in John 13:35:
“By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
The most powerful witness to the world is not theological arguments or grand achievements but the love of God demonstrated through His people. When Christians embody God’s love, they reflect His character and draw others to Him.
4. How to Reclaim the Power of Love
a) Start with God’s Love
To love others, we must first experience God’s love. This begins with acknowledging His sacrificial love through Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 declares:
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
When we truly understand the depth of God’s love for us, we are empowered to extend that love to others.
b) Love Through Action
Love is more than words—it is action. 1 John 3:18 challenges us:
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Practical ways to show love include serving the poor, forgiving those who wrong us, and standing up for the marginalised.
c) Build Loving Communities
The Church is called to be a community of love, modelling God’s kingdom to the world. This requires forgiveness, humility, and a commitment to unity. Colossians 3:14 encourages:
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
d) Be a Light in the Darkness
In a world that often rejects love, believers are called to shine as lights. Matthew 5:16 exhorts us:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
By living lives marked by love, we can influence others and inspire change.
5. The Eternal Legacy of Love
The ultimate hope for humanity is rooted in the eternal nature of love. In heaven, love will be fully realised, and all brokenness will be healed. Revelation 21:4 paints this vision:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Until that day, we are called to be agents of God’s love, bringing His light into the darkness.
Conclusion: But Love Is Greater
The world today is fractured by division, selfishness, and indifference. Yet Scripture reminds us that love is the greatest force for good, capable of healing wounds, restoring relationships, and transforming societies. Love reflects the very nature of God, fulfils His commands, and points the world to His glory.
To reclaim the power of love, we must first embrace God’s love for us, then live it out in tangible ways. As we do, we fulfil our calling as His disciples and bring hope to a broken world. Let us remember: “But the greatest of these is love.”
Prayer for Love
Heavenly Father, You are the source of all love. Teach us to love as You have loved us—selflessly, sacrificially, and unconditionally. Let Your love transform our hearts and overflow into our relationships, communities, and the world. May we reflect Your light and bring hope to those in darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This post calls readers to action, emphasising the transformative power of love in a world desperate for change. It combines theological depth with practical application, making it both inspiring and actionable.