Paul makes a remarkable statement in his concluding remarks about love to the believers in Corinth, “And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (I Corinthians 13:13). First, he sets these three spiritual gems – faith, hope, love – in surpassing beauty to the brevity of prophecies, tongues (the gift of speaking a foreign language previously unknown to the speaker), and even knowledge itself. He writes “…whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away” (I Corinthians 13:8). But faith, hope, and love abide!
Paul points out that even revelation is presently insufficient to completely conform us to Christ. “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part…For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part, but then shall I know even as I am known…But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (I Corinthians 13:9-12). Revelation left to us currently, i.e. the Holy Scriptures, is sufficient entirely for our journey here. But it is limited in its opportunity to completely transform and conform us into the image of Christ. When Christ himself is revealed at his return, we will no longer see him “through a glass darkly” but “we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is” (I John 3:2).” Revelation will be complete in its transforming purpose in that moment! But, in the meantime, these three – faith, hope, and love – abide.
Having come to this point in his letter, Paul under the inspiration of the Spirit asserts that love is greater than faith and hope. Who can diminish the value of faith and hope? But Paul is not undervaluing these two qualities. He is elevating the surpassing quality of love. How can that be? There may be two perspectives that come into play here. First, love will endure beyond faith and hope. In heaven, there will be no need for faith for sight will have made faith unnecessary. Likewise, hope will no longer be hope in heaven, for hope shall be realized. But love will go on throughout eternity. God is love (I John 4:16) and the eternal God will reveal his love throughout eternity to his children.
Another take on this comparison is the intrinsic operation of love compared to faith and hope. Faith and hope are both operative for the benefit of those who exercise faith and rejoice in hope. But love is necessarily directed at others reflecting the true nature of God himself. That is, God loves; therefore, God gives. Think of the greatest testimony to that truth as given to us by John, the Apostle. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, emphasis added). Love is greater because it serves others. We should follow our heavenly Father’s example.
From the Chaplain 
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