What love is (Day 1 of Love verses from 1 Corinthians chapter 13)

Nearly every wedding, a union of man and woman, shares the "Love is patient, love is kind" verse from the 13th chapter in the book of 1 Corinthians.  But as high as the divorce rate seems to be, a couple's love diminishes.  It is no longer patient.  No longer kind.  Sometimes it takes days, weeks, or even months.  And in some cases, years or decades.

Originally, I was going to share from the 13th chapter, starting with verse 4, but by doing so I'm missing out on the first three verses.  And they are just as important.

Verse 1 is simply, one may speak with an angelic tone, sweet and soft, but without love it is like a clanging gong.  Harsh-sounding, huh?

Verse 2 goes on by stating that one may have all of the knowledge of the world, possess great understanding of the many mysteries that surround us.  They can even have faith in their abilities, that they can move earthly mountains because of their vast knowledge.  But if ones does this without any love, it is nothing.

Verse 3 handles our possessions and body.  We may even give away all of our possessions and not take care of our body in the proper way, all in the name of us boasting of our accomplishments.  But if we do not have love, we gain nothing.  Watch how people boast about giving away their wealth, spouting it for all the world to see about how great and wonderful they are.  While underneath, in their heart, do they do it out of love?  It is certainly doubtful.

Love is everything.  Kind and patient are two important qualities on how we treat others.  Be patient, be unselfish, be kind.  That is how a couple should treat each other.  Both of them.  Not just one.

Because God is Love.  His Love didn't come into this world while riding a giant white stallion, brandishing a golden sword, and shouting from the tops of mountains.  No.  His Love came in the form of a baby, born from a virgin, while livestock and shepherds and even wise men from faraway lands came to welcome Him into the world.

Love takes work.  No doubt about it.  But if you read these verses and ask God to place the love he desires into your heart, you too may find the patience and kindness that will make a couple's love flourish.  Your love will become a beacon for many generations to come.