The song "Greatest Of These" by Hillsong United is a reflection on the importance of love in our lives and the fact that without love, our actions and accomplishments are ultimately meaningless. The lyrics talk about how one can strive for greatness, fall on their knees, and lose themselves in order to be found in the right place. They mention doing all the right things and singing words that may seem significant, but they emphasize that if they don't have love, it is just noise. The song expresses the idea that love should be the driving force behind our actions and words. It states that without love, speaking like angels, prophesying, and having great faith mean nothing. Even giving away wealth or sacrificing one's life would be insignificant if it is not motivated by love. The chorus repeats the sentiment of not wasting breath or having a heart if it is not for love. It also challenges the idea of declaring something as faith if it does not come with a cost, referring to the fact that true faith is tested and requires sacrifice. The song also references the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 13:13, which states, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." This verse suggests that love is the most important virtue to have, surpassing faith and hope. The bridge of the song highlights the characteristics of love mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, urging listeners to be patient, kind, not envious or prideful, and to put others before themselves. It emphasizes the need to trust, forgive, and endure hardships for the sake of love. The song concludes with the acknowledgment that love will never die, but it also mentions the cross, a symbol of sacrifice and redemption. This implies that while love may require sacrifice, it is through that sacrifice that genuine love can be fully realized. Overall, "Greatest Of These" is a reminder to prioritize love in all aspects of life and to recognize its true significance in our actions and relationships.
