I will show you the most excellent way…

I will show you the most excellent way… When my wife and I got married 36 years ago, our pastor preached a beautiful message from 1 Corinthians 13. It was so fitting because it was all about love—and Laurel and I were, certainly, very much in love. To look at this passage a little deeper, I first flipped to the chapter before, where Paul makes this incredible introduction: “And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31, NIV) The Bible has so much to say about love, and as we head toward Valentine’s Day—a celebration of love—I want to focus on how we can all choose love in many ways. Love isn’t just a virtue among many virtues. It’s the most excellent way of life. Paul wrote this to believers who were chasing spiritual gifts, achievements, and influence. He wasn’t dismissing those things, but pointing to something greater. Without love, the gifts lose their purpose and power. Love is the environment in which faith thrives and truth becomes beautiful. Love is not just a theory or emotion—it’s a deliberate way of living. It shapes how we speak, how we serve, and how we see others. To walk in love is to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, whose compassion always outweighed His convenience. The other day, I was working with an agent trying to change my flight during a scheduling crisis. I was tempted to take my anger at the situation out on the person who was trying to help me. But in that moment, God invited me to slow down and ask, “What would love do here?” For me, that meant listening a little longer, speaking a little gentler, and giving generously to someone who was simply trying to help. The most excellent way is not about perfection—it’s about direction. Every small choice to love moves you closer to the heart of God. So here’s the question: Where in your life do you need to realign your actions with love? Let’s pray together: Lord, show me the most excellent way today. When I’m rushed, let love make me patient. When I’m wrong, let love make me gracious. When I’m weary, let love pick up the slack. Teach me to walk in Your way—one step, one word, and one act of love at a time. Never forget, my friend—you are a miracle. Your friend, Grant Fishbook