The Love Chapter for Couples

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Though I send exquisite Valentine cards, write romantic notes, and sing beautiful love songs,

but have not love, I am like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

Though my writings are eloquent, and I quote marriage experts’ soundly advice,

Yet I have not true love, I am nothing.

Though I give time and energy to my spouse and pledge promises of undying love,

Yet fail to show real love,

I have accomplished nothing.

True love is patient (even when dirty clothes are lying around).

True love is kind and does not hurt the other’s feelings.

True love does not envy or despair when disappointments abound and others prosper.

It does not brag about its strengths or downplays another’s weaknesses

Instead it seeks to make the other look good.

Love is never too proud to admit failure or ask for help and understanding.

Love neither manipulates nor seeks to change.

Instead, love remains content with an imperfect partner.

Love is forgiving and holds no grudges nor keeps track of the other’s failure.

Love refrains from saying, “I told you so!”

Love believes and seeks to protect the other.

It patiently endures even through disappointments.

Love hopes for better times and perseveres when all else fails.

Romantic speeches and love songs will cease.

All knowledge will be destroyed,

But true love abides forever.

When I was young, I had unrealistic expectations of love.

Now, as a mature lover, I understand that a perfect marriage will never exist.

Yet, I know that this present love only dimly reflects what my marriage can become.

My love for you has increased immeasurably since the day I pledged my honor and love,

And it will continue to blossom with each passing year.

One day I shall know you more fully than I do now.

While time destroys dreams, and romantic aspirations dissolve in the realities of day-to-day living;

Faith, hope, and love abide forever.

And truly the greatest of these three is love!

Check out my poetic version of the love chapter, also from 1 Corinthians 13.

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The Love Chapter (1 Corinthians 13)

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Although I speak eloquently with a voice like an angel

Yet if I have not love or kindness,

I am like an annoying sound.

And though I proclaim God’s Word and understand all secret truths,

Without love, my mountain-moving faith

Amounts to nothing at all.

 

 

Though I give away everything, all my money and possessions—

Even sacrificing my life—

Without God’s love, I gain nothing.

Love is not jealous, boastful, or proud, or easily provoked

Love does not seek its own or act unseemly

Rejoices not in unrighteousness.

 

 

Love is patient, kind, and true. It bears, believes, and hopes all things.

It endures without wavering

And overlooks a suffered wrong.

Though tongues, knowledge, and prophecy cease and though I lie silent in the grave,

True love and faith and hope endure,

The greatest of these is love.