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 also I am known.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (1 Cor 13:13 KJV)
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor 13:13 NIV)
Faith, hope, charity or love for one another that we might be most charitable in word and deed to those around us are most important to living life most fully.
Where faith is there will also grow in us the seeds of hope and love. Without faith we not will not even be able to see as though we are looking through a glass, darkly and when we cannot hope will not survive and love will expire.
When hope dies our faith in the one who loves us and desires that we live with and in him also dies. When hope dies, faith and love will soon follow suit.
When love dies there will be no charitable acts of kindness toward others. We will consider only our own selfish desires.
When love dies both hope and faith will also go. We will become like the walking dead, dried out old bones if we leave behind faith, hope, and charitable acts born out of love. Without faith, hope, and love there is nothing; but, emptiness.
May God keep you in his Word that you might know these greatest gifts of faith, hope, and charity.
God's Peace - Pr. J
