The Power of Love

"Love... Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:7

I have been reminded all week of the power of love and how beautiful it is, when it is lived out.

On Sunday I was reminded of the power of love when I saw a man back in church I had not seen in a while. We buried his wife a few months ago. About four years ago, he took a turn for the worse with his health and she took such great care of him. She was very protective of his dignity and never complained a minute about the sacrifice she was making. It required her to remain at home, when she had many opportunities to be away. Church and other activities were not possible and with love she was able to bear that burden. Her health failed this fall and he began caring for her. He then made the sacrifice and it was horribly painful for him to watch her die. But he never left her side. That's love.

This week I prayed and visited with a man whose wife just cannot overcome an illness that is baffling doctors. While his friends are out playing golf in the nice warm weather we have had, he has remained by his wife's side. He has cried over her. He has daily comforted her. He has made sure she has received the best care possible. There are many sacrifices he is having to make and he makes them gladly. That is love.

I spoke with a couple where the husband had committed adultery several years ago. They held hands at one point. She rubbed his shoulder at one point. He put his arm around her so they could laugh together. And that all in a five minute conversation with their pastor. There has been complete restoration of their marriage. She has forgiven him. He has been faithful to her. That is love.

And all week long I have come across friends who have shown love to their spouses in real ways. I haven't seen the TV love - the fancy meal with the generous gift and getting all dressed up to impress. I probably will this weekend. And that is good and nice. But what love really looks like is the day to day bearing, believing, hoping, and enduring that love does. That is love.