And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 12:31–13:8, 13, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Not merely the excellent way. “The most excellent way.” Not merely great, but the greatest. Take love out of any relationship, undertaking, or sentiment, and it means nothing. But for love to be “most” excellent, it must possess certain qualities and lack others, as noted in the passage. Otherwise, it is counterfeit.
My Advice – Look to our Creator for inspiration. “You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15, NIV 1984). And to His Son. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13, NIV 1984).
The Brew Is A Musing 