The Cardinal Virtues of the Christian
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully,
as I am fully known. Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.”
I Corinthians 13:12-13 CSB
February usually comes with the message of love. Probably all levels of love are represented here. Most emphasis
is placed on couples and how their love began and is being developed with a little help from candy, flowers, cards, etc.
Most needed always, along with the nudge of the old adage: “what the world needs now is love, sweet love!”
Paul, the apostle, wrote in I Corinthians and in so many other letters about love. The church as well needs the love message on a regular basis. Paul expressed the context of love in a cluster of virtues that enhance what true love is and how the foundation for it is built. Three virtues are listed here: Faith, Hope, and Love. The context of the mirror as a reflection states how we view ourselves distortedly as imperfect beings. The face to face expression is good news as one of these days we will see ourselves as God sees us—in unconditional love. That is important as it leads to one great virtue for the Christian—hope! I now know that all the shallow expressions currently experienced will one day be changed into God’s unconditional, perfect love!
As important as these are, the one shining virtue I will experience is the love of God that sees me as perfect through Jesus. My greatest desire, not only here, but in heaven, is to be accepted and seen for who I truly am—His beloved! So, love is the greatest and built on the other two virtues. Happy Valentine Month! You are His beloved, now and for eternity!
Yours in His love,
Pastor Vaughn
