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.
1 Corinthians 13 NIV if you would like to read further.
The Beatles wrote, “All You Need Is Love.” It’s one of the greatest gifts life has to offer, and it’s something the world needs a lot more of. Relationships in general are complicated and a lot of work. Opposite opinions and different belief systems make it really tough to have compassion for your adversary. But love…love itself isn’t all that difficult. You simply must choose to give it and let yourself receive it. The hard part is holding that love above all else when times get tough.
Marriage and parenting are lifelong commitments that require immense amounts of effort. The patience and compromise needed to make these relationships work would feel grueling if it weren’t for love. Much like happiness, we have to choose love and nurture it. It’s not going to be there if we ignore it and push it away. Not every day will feel like your honeymoon, but if you share love for each other, it will seem natural to protect and persevere the relationship even after life has taken its toll. Love gives us the strength to say I’m sorry and the strength to forgive. Unconditional love for our children gets us through the sleepless nights and the endless worrying we are raising them right. Loving yourself allows you to pursue your dreams and find happiness. Great things are possible with love.
Love may require some hard work, but hate is even more exhausting and absolutely nothing is accomplished. There are a lot of things I don’t like in this life, but I will always choose love.
