Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant. – 1 Corinthians 13:4
Perhaps the most famous tapestry in the world is one on display in Bayeux, France, depicting the conquest of England by William, the Duke of Normandy, in 1066. It is not like tapestries such as the Lady and the Unicorn seen on many greeting cards but is an embroidered “documentary” on the Battle of Hastings that changed England forever. Nearly 230 feet long and 20 inches tall, it contains 58 scenes of the war. Legend says it was embroidered by Matilda, the wife of William the Conqueror, and her ladies of court.
Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians is often called the Love Chapter. These eloquent verses are frequently read at wedding ceremonies as illustrations of the character of love. In English, the love words are seen as predicate adjectives. However, in the Greek, the words are verbs—actions. The characteristics of love are meant to be applied. As your life unfolds, and as you practice the behaviors that are motivated by love, stitches are embroidered on your life’s history tapestry. From Earth’s perspective, you may see a bunch of loose yarns, knots, and twists, but as God looks from heaven, He sees a beautiful portrait being developed.
Treat others with patience and kindness, be content and humble, show courtesy, politeness, and sensitivity with an even temperament, care for the needs of others, rejoice in truth and righteousness, selflessly bear all things, trust, hope, and perseverance. Such love comes from continually seeking and yielding to the direction of the Holy Spirit in your life.
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