The Greatest of These...

"If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing...  So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:3, 13

Twenty years ago today, precious lives were unexpectedly and tragically lost. No one anticipated that it would be a day that would "live in infamy". Many died without warning and others in the midst of sacrificial heroism. Final words were spoken by some and last ditch efforts to save one more life were made by others. But, of all the reasons for such devotion expressed that morning, the greatest of them was Love.

Paul wrote to the people of God in this well known chapter. To be a believer in Jesus Christ in those days was extremely dangerous. There were many that had been martyred for their faith and in time even Paul's life would also be taken. There were those who died unexpectedly while living for Christ and some while actively reaching others for Him. But, of all the reasons for such devotion, the greatest of them was Love.

The sadness that is expressed today is mingled with this disappointment... that we have remembered the event, but not the reason for such devotion. Yes, during the last two years we have seen many medical and first responder heroes and heroines. But, at the same time we have been surrounded by just as many that only care for themselves. May our memories of 9/11 lead to renewed devotion to pray and care for others, caused by the greatest of these... Love.

"The lesson of this event is not only about the mystery of iniquity and evil, but, second, it’s a lesson about our need for each other." - Billy Graham, During his 9/11 message at the National Cathedral on 9/14/2001.