Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

      Enduring far beyond demonstrations of spiritual power; the working of miracles and earthly acclaim; are the bedrock qualities of faith, hope and love. These three qualities are essential to the formation of Christ-likeness. While it is true that we brought nothing into this world and we take nothing out, faith, hope and love are self-existent. The are woven into the very fabric of the eternal Godhead; eternal in the Heavens. They are a part of us that transcends death to return to God. If a man will live pleasing to God in this present age he must pursue faith, hope and love in all that he does.

      Every relationship, even the most fleeting encounter, should be founded on love. Love is not the romantic notion of novels and film. Love is the image which we have of ourselves projected onto others. It means we not only treat our neighbor as we would be treated, but that we hold our neighbor in the same regard as we do ourselves. That is, we want the best for him and work to bring it to pass.

      While love is the greatest, hope and faith are not to be denied. Hope is not wishing, as some would have us believe. Wishing is but the desire of the natural man working its way into his thoughts. It has no basis in reality, and seeks only to serve self. Hope is the expression of good intent. Hope motivates. It drives prayer and gives it fervency. Hope moves us to give of ourselves. Hope is the sower's heart.

      Faith is the evidence of the things hoped for. It is the place to which hope is leading. If we hope for God's blessing; trusting in His love---faith either brings it to pass or steers hope in the proper course. Faith says:
      "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up."

      Faith, hope and love abide---they remain when all else is lost. Seek them with all your heart.