The Victory of Love

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.                           

 1 CORINTHIANS 13:8–10

Let’s consider the victory of love found in the wonderful declaration of verse 8: “Love never fails.” That’s one of the greatest statements in the Bible. Love is eternal. It will never pass away. Notice the things that will pass away, however. Prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are impressive gifts, but they will all

pass away. Remember verse 2, where Paul says that prophecy, knowledge, and faith add up to nothing without love. Paul is telling us not to get puffed up about what we know, because when it’s all said and done we only know “in part” (v. 9). 

The truth is that we don’t know 1 percent of anything. Some people think they know the future, but all they really have is an educated guess, or maybe a hunch. We are also warned against getting puffed up about the gifts we possess. The gift of tongues was one of the more spectacular spiritual gifts for the early Church, but the gift of tongues fades and will be stilled. Love, however, endures. 

A little child can ask questions about heaven that a doctor of theology can’t answer. We need humility in these areas. But one thing we can know is that love will last. Love is more important than education. It’s more important than ability. It is more important than prophecy. All of these things are going to pass away. May your family be known for the gospel it shares and the love it shows. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be famous for the gospel and famous for love? 

When Christmas guests walk into your home, may they say, “This is a home that loves.” Love is not only the greatest virtue; it is also the greatest commandment. Jesus Himself said that love for God is the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37–40). If love is the greatest commandment, then what would be the greatest sin? It must be the failure to love, because that would be breaking the greatest commandment. Love is the greatest virtue and the greatest commandment. It is the greatest testimony!

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers