top of page
Search

the greatest of these is LOVE

  • RevDrGeraldWatford
  • Feb 3, 2022
  • 2 min read

The Battle of Maldon is a tenth century Anglo-Saxon poem. English warriors have fought the good fight but the battle is lost. The survivors have a choice. They can retreat and save their lives or they can fight. Their captain is dead, and they decide … no they are eager to die bravely. Birhtwold, one of the last survivors, raises his spear while standing over the body of his captain and says to his companions, “Purpose shall be the firmer, heart the keener, courage shall be the more, as our might lessens. Here lies our lord all hewn down, good man on the ground … from here I will not turn, but by my lord’s side, by the man I loved, I intend to die.” For the most part we still have much to learn about the value of sacrifice. As we have shaped our society by setting up freedom as the ultimate goal, we are losing our capacity to truly appreciate the power of love. We tend to talk about love mainly in terms of what it can do for us, how it makes us feel, how it satisfies our needs. But that barely scratches the surface of love as the Bible explains it to us. When Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13) or we read this, “Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is Love” (I Cor. 13:13) or “But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8), it is setting up sacrificial love as a goal which uniquely shapes us followers of Christ. We gladly sacrifice our freedom to honor Christ who gave up His freedom through being nailed to a cross so that we might have life. Jesus’ words in John 14:15 make this plain, “If you love Me, obey my commandments.” We cannot do both, pursue freedom as our ultimate goal and obey Christ. As I think about the relationship between a pastor and a church, I see so many qualities involved. But at the center is not freedom, it is sacrificial love. Something special happens when a group of people come together embracing a path marked not by finding one’s identity though being free of any unwanted responsibilities or obligations but by discovering what happens when we seek to reflect the example of Christ in extending sacrificial love which opens the door to true fellowship. This is what I have experienced at Mt. Hebron and it is my hope for us all. This is how you raise the bar on your discipleship.

 
 
 

2件のコメント


lauraknowles
4月17日

Private investigators sometimes conduct asset searches. These investigations help retail positions determine someone's financial status during divorce, debt recovery, or litigation. Investigators uncover hidden accounts, properties, or vehicles. Accurate asset identification is essential for fair settlements or judgments.

いいね!

lauraknowles
2024年9月25日

Art plays a significant role in shaping the neighborhood’s identity. Galleries and open-air exhibitions line the streets, madrid tickets offering glimpses into both local and international art. It’s a haven for those who appreciate creativity in all forms.

いいね!
Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church

​3050 Leaphart Road

West Columbia, SC 29169

P.O. Box 5737

West Columbia, SC 29171

803-794-8273

communications@mthebronumc.com

Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

Contact Us

Thank you for contacting us!We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

© 2025 Mt. Hebron United Methodist Church

bottom of page