The Way of Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“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.”

As I pause to celebrate Joe and my one-year anniversary, I’m reminded that love is more than the butterflies we felt at the beginning or the joy of special moments – it’s a daily decision to live out the truth of this passage. The love described here is not driven by emotion alone but anchored in the character of Christ. It’s patient when life feels slow, kind when words could wound, and humble when pride wants to take over.

Over this first year, I’ve seen how true love stretches and sanctifies. It teaches patience when we misunderstand each other, and kindness when we’re tired or overwhelmed. It refuses to compare or compete, choosing instead to celebrate the good in one another. Love does not dishonor – it speaks gently, guards dignity, and seeks unity over being right.

Paul’s words remind me that love “is not self-seeking,” and that truth has taken on new meaning this year. I’ve realized that real love often looks like setting aside my own wants for the good of the person I love. It’s learning to forgive quickly instead of keeping score, to let go of small offenses, and to choose grace even when it’s not easy. Looking back over this past year, I can see that the truest moments of love weren’t found in big celebrations or perfect days – they were in the quiet, ordinary ones. Love showed up in listening when we didn’t fully understand each other, in forgiving when words came out wrong, in praying for one another always, and in simply showing up – again and again, with a willing heart.

“Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Those words feel so real to me now. Over this past year, I’ve learned that love isn’t just something we say – it’s something we live out day by day. For me, protecting means praying over us, standing in the gap when one of us feels weak, and choosing to cover rather than criticize. Trusting means choosing to believe the best in each other, even when misunderstandings come. Hoping means keeping my eyes on the future God is writing for us, believing His plans are good. And persevering means holding on through every high and low, refusing to let go, because love is worth fighting for.

As we celebrate this milestone, I thank God for the love He has nurtured between us – imperfect yet anchored in His perfect love. May the next year deepen our trust, strengthen our patience, and draw us closer to the One who makes love possible.