The Greatest is Love

Truth does not equate Belief.

Sometimes you can choose to believe in something in spite of the Truth, not because you are denying the Truth, but rather because you know the Truth is not the only reality which could be. Meaning, there is a Truth beyond what already exists, a prolepsis if you will.

Often, too often I think, people confuse Truth and Belief, assuming the two to be interchangeable, synonymous aspects like two sides to the same coin. Though Truth usually inspires Belief, Belief can also be based in something apart, separate from Truth.

However, while this usually manifests as a denial of Truth (e.g. flat vs. round Earth), sometimes we apply it in ways unnoticed, making it a more tangible, palpable concept than the esoteric idea it seems. How? In our relationships.

Sometimes people make mistakes. Huge mistakes. Does this disqualify them? No. At least, I don’t think it does. In fact, I think for most of us, if in any of our most intimate relationships (spouses, parents, children, friends) someone were to commit such a mistake –– even a treacherous, dangerous one which may jeopardize the relationship, i.e. betray our trust ––  we are more than ready to forgive for the sake of our relationship rather than the alternative.

We believe, due to the evidence displayed in their continuous commitment, that though the Truth says a mistake was made, the person in question is still inherently good and capable of redemption.

Another way to think of this is Justice verses Mercy. Instead of executing equal punishment for the crime committed (justice), a lessened form of punishment (mercy) is extended in belief as an opportunity for redemption, hoping the perpetrator will admit the error of their ways by their own self-conviction, realising the mutual trust was jeopardized, and thus right the wrongs they committed to save and restore said trust.

What does disqualify someone is the continuous choosing of mistakes, a lifestyle defined by committing mistakes.

But what is a mistake? Another topic for another time, I’m afraid.

This is why I think Love truly is the greatest. It is Love which is the embodiment, the epitome, the personification, if you will, of everything I just described.

As a wise man once said, “Love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”

Love is therefore the choice of Belief over Truth. It does not deny the Truth. Rather, Love indeed rejoices in Truth, but it takes no record of wrongdoings.

There may be difficult times when our Love is test and tried, proven to be real like gold smelted in a flame. There could also be times when choosing to believe in someone in spite of their mistakes might be terrifying, possibly leading only to heartbreak and pain.

And yes, it hurts. Excruciatingly. Only if this Love be real, as it is refined by the fire, then it becomes something beautiful and wonderful beyond what any man could hope for, dream, or imagine.

And this, dear reader, is why I believe Love is the greatest.

No matter what, Love is worth it. Always.