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As the nation remembers the events of September 11, 2001, we can reflect on Alan Jackson’s song “Where Were You,” which captured most Americans’ feelings and shared the greatest message of the Christian faith: love.
Jackson referenced 1 Corinthians 13:13 in his song, highlighting love as the greatest virtue:
“So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest is love.”
The Bible says much about love, with Jesus mentioning love in His Greatest Commandment:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).
It’s an easy passage to remember but a difficult concept to keep in a fallen world. Yet love is the foundation of the Christian faith. In the most quoted verse of the Bible, we again read of love, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Love is the underscored message throughout the Bible and Jesus’ ministry. The opponent of evil is love. The first fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul is love: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
On 9/11, darkness hit the United States, but it was overcome by love. First responders, knowing they faced death, gave up their lives, rushing to the towers to save as many people as they could. People from all over the country came together, donating blood and volunteering, showcasing their love for their fellow Americans. Once sporting events resumed, filled stadiums came together as one, crying and chanting their love for America.
While the current days may be discouraging for Christians across the country, a healthy reflection on the unification of 9/11 is helpful to realize that the nation is much more Christian in its nature than what we give it credit for. Sure, a political divide exists and always has. But Jesus’ message of love best defines most Americans; if it doesn’t, it should be the focus of your current life.
As we mourn with the families who are still affected by the terror attack of 9/11, we can find peace, understanding and solace in the message of Jesus Christ, which teaches us that heavenly love always prevails.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16: 13-14).