Could there be a first principle in the universe? Is there one singular concept that outweighs all the others? In addition is there a foundational axiom from which every other concept, idea and principle can follow?
This principle not only exists, but is named in the words of scripture. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:13 "But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Love is a foundational principle. In fact it is the foundational principle. Faith and hope are not far behind, but love is first and foremost. Thus upon love, the principle and the actual outworking in reality, are built every other concept both spiritually and physically.
This is why John could succinctly state in his self title epistle of 1 John 4 that "God is love." Thus love is entwined with both the spiritual world and the physical world. God built His universe on love.
The principle of love spiritually means that beings are to be others-centered. The principle of love physically creates a beautiful interdependence that sustains every atomic structure in the cosmos.
Love creates both balance and growth and thereby both sustaining and extending the reaches of the universe.
Unfortunately we live in a universe where the first principle was discarded. The resulting chaos has brought the opposite of true love: it's evil counterpart known as self-love. Self-love is not others directed and therefore breaks down the very structure of the universe. Self-love is myopic in nature and disconnects every thing that is affected from every thing else.
God wants us to return to the principle of return and rightly place love where it should be. Perhaps this is why God ask us to lift up our eyes to see that our salvation draws near. For how can we be focusing on ourselves when our attention is wrapped around our Savior?
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