No. 235 - THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

No. 235

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

There is an often read and quoted chapter in the Bible that is known as the Love chapter. The last verse of I Corinthians chapter 13 says, But now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Without trying to sound Preachy I want to share some things from my heart that I believe would be a real blessing to millions of people across our nation if they only knew the power of love and how it could change their lives completely.

You may already be aware that there are several different kinds of love. Among these are Agape love, which is the love that God has for his creation and every human being, including you and me. There is also Erotic love, which is sexual desire and, for the sake of brevity, lastly Philia love, which is also known as brotherly love. This is how the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania got its name.

Its been said that enthusiasm is the most contagious human emotion but love is the strongest. When we have a deep seated love or attachment for a person, place or thing we will go to great lengths to defend and preserve them. I believe it is within this simple concept that our very best hope for America and all human kind lies. So we will be speaking the same language, it is mainly the Philia kind of love that I want to share with you here.

Since Americans are world champion consumers we all love our things. We love our homes, automobiles, campers, clothes, bank and investment accounts and a myriad of other things, based on individual preference. At this point, Im going to make a statement that you may or may not agree with. If you love things more than you love people, you have real problems. Things can be replaced but people cant. Once a person passes from this life, humanly speaking, they are gone forever.

From my perspective, the main problem comes from those we choose to love. Its natural to love our own flesh and blood more than others. This is why we always hear, blood is thicker than water. However, this concept is not universally true. How can someone murder or abuse a parent, child or member of their own family whom they love. Of course anger plays a part, but again the answer is fairly simple. These people do not have love in their heart and thats the problem. In most cases these individuals have never felt love or experienced it. You cant give or express something to others that you dont have.

Almost every day of my life for the past several years I have been saddened by what I see and read in the daily news. When a human being can murder one or more people in cold blood, rape a helpless victim, rob or steal, (whether armed or white collar) and all the other senseless crimes, it makes me very sad. I just wish that someone earlier in these peoples lives could have shown them love that led them to love and respect the rights and property of others and they could have become a happy, responsible and productive member of society.

What I have shared is keeping us from being the kind of people that God wants us to be but the most serious problem of all is greed. Individuals who want more than they have earned and are willing to take advantage, (legally or Illegally) to get it. I hope I have at least given you something to think about. To love and be loved is one of the greatest blessings in this life. This is why the word of God says, Faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. EDITORS NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)