So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

~1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV

Of all the gifts God gives, the greatest is love. 

The Lesser Gifts

During a recent “when it rains, it pours” season, I stared at my haggard reflection, thinking no amount of makeup would conceal the spirit of defeat I carried. I missed deadlines at work. My caregiving efforts were not keeping my elderly aunt from declining rapidly. The stacks of boxes in my new apartment added to my personal chaos, but I was too exhausted to unpack. Discouragement was written all over my face.

“Lord, help,” I begged. 

As I dabbed on my lipstick and mascara, I sensed the Lord’s loving hands on my sagging shoulders. His compassion spread warmth through my whole being, and, as quiet as a whisper, the word love settled on my wrung-out mind. 

Abide in my love.

~John 15:9 ESV

The Greatest Gift

When I rose from my seat, I had a new outlook. My objective changed from juggling all the balls of my busy life to loving God and loving people. When I got to work, the file folders piled on my desk turned into students in need. My precious auntie’s hope bloomed as my caregiving style became less hurried and more tender. Each empty box at my new home felt like a love gift to me. Little by little, my apartment became a haven where I could rest and recharge to prepare for a new day of loving well.

It requires intentionality to resist our culture of hurried achievement and fierce independence. Therefore, Jesus calls us to a different way: to love God and love people. And He provides the love.

The fruit of the Spirit is love…

~Galatians 5:22 ESV 

When we do our everyday tasks with supernatural love, life becomes a blessing rather than a burden. When we get bogged down (and we will), Jesus says, “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 CEV).

If life’s burdens have bogged you down, look to Jesus. Make yourself at home in His love.

Lord, I need You. This world is weighing me down. Restore my soul. Renew my strength. Color my mindset with Your vibrant love. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: The Greatest Is Love: Lee Merrill: All Rights Reserved