Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest American professional boxers of all time, Nicknamed “The Greatest”. He made a TV appearance not long before his death in 2016 where his spokesperson said, “The former champ was here to promote love and unity”. Ali’s eyes lit up when the kids approached to hug him and shake his hand – a response of love.
What a difference from the young man who shouted, “I am the greatest” years ago! Now he was gently urging the crowd to accept the notion that “Love is the greatest”. I think Ali was on the right track with his message for several Biblical reasons:
1. Love is Godly: The Bible says that love is the quality that most defines God’s character (I John 4:8). This does not mean that God is not also a God of justice, perfection and power but the overriding quality that permeates and shapes the other facets of His character is love.
2. Love is Powerful: “God so loved the world…” that He sent Jesus to die and provide eternal life for all of those who believe in Him (John 3:16). John tells us that God’s love is so powerful it can raise the dead. Now that’s power!
The champ was the greatest fighter of his day, some say of all time but his power in the ring and his attitude outside the ring only made for division and enflamed passions among the fans. In the twilight of his failing health he had discovered that the source of true power is love. As the Holy Spirit says through Paul, Love is the more excellent/GREATER way.