There are many debates over this statement from Paul. It’s easy to see that faith, hope and love are the cornerstones of Christianity, and of other religions. He goes on to say that the greatest is love. What does that mean?
The first thing to do is define what Paul meant by love. There are several definitions, but only one applies. He isn’t referring to the love of parent and child. He isn’t referring to love involving romance. He isn’t even talking about the love between brothers. He is referring to spiritual love, sometimes referred to as agape love.
The next question is usually, “How does that love get expressed?” The answer usually is, “very quietly.” Agape love is about helping others without making a big deal about it. It’s about doing things quietly. Jesus referred to it by saying, “Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
A prime example of agape love is at an organization in our city. I covered that organization in order to get the word out. They needed donations, they’re a nonprofit group with no paid members and they have an important cause. You’d think they’d want their names in the article, but they did not. They wanted to do their work anonymously.
While we Christians embrace agape love as a major part of our religion, that doesn’t mean it is only a Christian principle. Many other religions have something similar, and even those who aren’t involved in any faith can and have practiced it.
There’s more to agape love than the benefits it has to the outside community, though that is the only reason most of us do it. Agape love is actually good for your health. Positive emotions lessen your risks of heart attack and strokes. It can help people dealing with grief and anxiety.
This type of love is a gift from God to all mankind. It benefits everyone, those who follow it and those who receive the benefits. If you would like to know how to apply this sort of love in your life, talk to your pastor or other religious leader.
There are many organizations that fit into the abilities of everyone that could use the help and that understand that this is not something to be trumpeted. Some are affiliated with churches, but others, like the unnamed organization above, have no ties to religion. Find the joy only giving to others in love can bring.