The Greatest of These is Love

1 Corinthians 13:13 – “And now abideth faith, hope, and (love), these three; but the greatest of these is (love).”

In a well-used story, newspaper columnist and minister George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me." 

Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan "Go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. Tell him that you're getting a divorce. That will really hurt him." With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, "Beautiful, beautiful. Will he ever be surprised!" And she did it with enthusiasm – Acting "as if she loved him." For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing. When she didn't return, Crane called. "Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?"  

"Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered I really do love him." Her actions had changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often repeated deeds. 

What Is A Home?

Just what is it that makes a home?

What ingredients would we find?

Is it pots and pans and ceiling fans,

Or each window with a blind?

Is it couches and beds and closets of clothes

That transform a house to a home?

Is it tables and chairs and carpeted stairs,

Or linens and pillows of foam?

Can anyone give me just one clue

To assist me with my quest?

Is it books and balls and paneled walls,

Or puzzles and toys in a chest?

Is a home just people living out their lives,

All sleeping beneath one roof?

Is it father and mother and sister and brother

That we could offer up as proof?

There’s one thing yet that’s not been told

In any of the verses above.

It warms the soul, makes the family whole –

That missing ingredient is LOVE.

© 2006 Paul Stultz

Quote – “Love makes us love; love bought us, sought us, and brought us to the Saviour's feet, and it shall henceforth constrain us to deeds which else would be impossible.” – C.H. Spurgeon

"Lord, You love me - help me to love you. Lord, you gave your all for me - help me to give my all to you. Where love is concerned, Lord, it's all about you. Amen."