The Greatest Of Three

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (KJV)

King David had “Three Mighty Men” who were unlike all others. They were knit to him in covenant love since their time with him in the cave Adullam.

Next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines assembled there for battle, and the men of Israel had departed. 2 Samuel 23:9 (Amp)

And the three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem by the gate and brought it to David. But he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. 2 Samuel 23:16 (Amp)

The three that abideth (meno) are seen to be faith (pistis), hope (elpis) and love (agape). So, those which will remain, never to depart are the “three mighty” attributes of covenant relationship. They will continue to be present as they are so valued as to be held and kept continually so as to last, endure and continue eternally.

This word, abideth (meno), also means to remain as one, not to become another or different. When one abides, they await one’s arrival so as to be able to move on together with.

The greatest (meizon), strongest, elder of the three is love (agape). Love existed before faith and hope and is, therefore their elder. God is “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, and He is Love (1 Tim. 1:17 KJV). His God kind of love is what empowers and exercises faith and gives meaning and strength to the spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 13:1,2). Love is the fruit of the Spirit that gives hope its joy and peace during times of longsuffering (Gal. 5:22; Jam. 1:3).

There is no doubt: Love is chiefest of the “three mighty.”