This is a paraphrase of a verse that is used in many wedding ceremonies. I have been privileged to see this lived out by many of my family members. We live in an age that I believe has a misunderstanding of what loving someone really means. Self love, discover who you really are, the list goes on and on. I believe we need to accept ourselves and be satisfied with the gifts God has given to all of us. I don’t think we need any help loving ourselves. That one we seem to have down pretty well. Yet, I see love for another at a deep, deep level in some of the married couples I have known over the years. A love that puts the other person first. This kind of love brings a contentment our society scarcely understands. I have watched my Mom, my Aunts, and my cousins love their spouses in a way that brings curiosity to even the most skeptical of people. They stood by the person they love and said a temporary “goodbye”, while in their hearts realizing “I will see you again someday soon”.

My Father-in-law is currently experiencing the same thing. He has cared for his wife that has dementia and will soon say goodbye, for just a while. I have witnessed him doing things in complete humility for his wife that many men would scoff at and refuse to do. You see, love doesn’t have an ego, it doesn’t try to maintain a reputation, it only cares about people. If you have someone in your life that loves the way I am describing feel blessed. If you see love demonstrated and lived so humbly, feel honored to be in it’s presence. You are witnessing the Love of God lived out in his creation, the way it was intended to be. To everyone that has lost their loves, I salute you for your unselfish giving, caring and commitment to a vow you made not only to God but to the person you loved. Greatness has many faces, look around you it is shown through loving someone more than yourself.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8