As we continue in this “love month,” let us reflect even deeper on the greatness of love by considering three more truths about why love remains and why it is the greatest.
First, love is the foundation of obedience.
Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Obedience to God is not driven by fear or duty alone—it is rooted in love. When we love God, obedience becomes a joyful response rather than a burdensome task.
Consider the Pharisees of Jesus’ time. They were meticulous in obeying the law, but their hearts were far from God (Matthew 15:8). Their actions were driven by religious obligation rather than a genuine love for God. In contrast, Jesus taught that love should be the foundation of all obedience.
Second, love breaks down barriers.
Love has the power to break down walls of division. In Ephesians 2:14, Paul describes how Christ’s love broke down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, creating unity in His body. Love crosses boundaries of race, culture, and status, uniting people under the lordship of Christ.
Historically, the early church was a diverse community of Jews, Greeks, slaves, and free individuals. What united them was not their similarities but their shared experience of God’s love. That same love can break down barriers today—whether within families, communities, or even nations.
Third, love motivates mission and ministry.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:14, “For Christ’s love compels us.” Love is the fuel that drives mission and ministry. It was God’s love for the world that sent Jesus into the world (John 3:16), and it is our love for God and others that should motivate us to share the gospel and serve our communities.
Throughout church history, missionaries left the comforts of home, enduring hardship because of their love for God and their desire to share His love with others. Love gives us the courage to serve, give, and go beyond our comfort zones to fulfill the Great Commission.
Love remains the greatest because it is the foundation of obedience, the bridge that breaks down barriers, and the motivation behind mission and ministry. | NWI
