How does love prove its power so that hate does not appear to have the advantage?  How does that which is self-giving get the attention it deserves?  How does unassuming humility take precedence over pride's publicity?^  How does the good news of grace become as attractive as the bad news of disgrace?  While these are questions which appeal to our human curiosity, they do not reflect our deepest understanding of these topics.

Love does not need to prove its power.  It is power.  It is the energy of sheer goodness.  Love that is out to prove something will quickly turn to hate if its point is ignored.  Self-giving does not need attention.  It loses itself in the cause for which sacrifices are made.  It works behind the scenes so as not to distract from the issues which are uppermost.  Humility never seeks the headlines.  It does not even advertise its lowliness lest the power of pride invade a contrite heart.

Humility is a vulnerable virtue.  No one can truly be humble without some reason to be proud, otherwise he or she is simply inferior.  The good news of grace never uses the methods of the world to project its message.  It is attractive only to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.  Grace receives its appeal by the power of the Holy Spirit and not the energy of manipulation.

The gospel is never in competition with the news stand.  Grace is always a superior word from God and does not need sensational headlines nor tricky advertisement.  What then do we say?  It is love, self-giving, humility and grace that will survive and those who lose their life in them will find the abundant life.