“And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love.  But the greatest of these is Love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13

On Sunday June 25^th, 1967 history was made when 400 million people over five continents tuned in their television sets to watch the Beatles record “All You Need Is Love”.

When I grew up my home was filled with love. My parents were in love and it showed, they showed me and my siblings how much they loved us even if it meant disciplining us to teach important lessons. They also taught us to love each other and those around us. God promises to love us unconditionally, that’s how my parents showed their love toward me and how I’ve shown love toward my children. We were taught in kindergarten to love your neighbor as yourself, it’s easy, right. We’ve also been taught to love our enemies, now that’s not easy, but we try. 

In 1 Corinthians 13:13 there are three words that make me think.  First there is faith. My dad was a man of deep faith, he studied the Bible and lived his life by the words Jesus taught, he prayed and believed God would provide for us, but he died while I was a junior in college, his faith didn’t endure, but his love did, I feel it every day. Dad hoped that his children would succeed, and he would live a long happy life with my mom, when his death shook our world, his hope didn’t endure, but his love did because I experience it every day.  Because his love endures in me, it strengthens my faith and hope. Likewise, God has faith and hope that we will do his will here on earth, but it is his love and grace that is most powerful and enduring.  

What about the song? The Beatles sang, “There is nothing you can (do, sing, make, save) that can’t be (done, sung, made, saved) It’s easy “

In other words, we can’t do the impossible, but with faith we can endeavor to do Gods will and hope that by Loving like Jesus our world will be a better place. Our faith and hope belong to us but the love we show for God, our children, family, neighbors, the world and yes, our enemies, is enduring.  It’s our legacy.

And the chorus repeats, “All you need is Love, Love… Love is all you need”

Prayer: Dear God, I hope the love I show for you, family, friends, neighbors and my enemies is a Love that reflects your good ways and makes a difference.  Amen