Love never fails. —1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV
A story is told of a young couple who got engaged when the Civil War broke out. As the young man fought in the war, he wrote his fiancée countless letters. One day, however, she received a letter in handwriting she didn’t recognize.
It’s very difficult for me to tell you this, but I’ve lost both my arms. I cannot write myself, so a friend is writing this letter for me. While you are as dear to me as ever, I feel I should release you from the obligation of our engagement.
The young woman took the next train to get to her loved one. The moment she saw the young man, she threw her arms around him, kissed him, and said, “I will never give you up. These hands of mine will help you. I will take care of you.”1
True love goes beyond romantic feelings. It looks past our shortcomings and loves us anyway. “[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:7 NKJV). It is a reflection of Christ’s love for us on the cross.
1 James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1988), 325.
Make it Personal
What are some ways you can be a reflection of Christ’s love to the people around you?