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 – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

Most of us have read the heartwarming fairy tales that are usually cast in an imaginary and magical world where fate and chance (and usually a dose of magic) after a string of tragedies and evil, bring together a Prince and a Princess who triumph over all their hardships; and marry to live happily ever after. What these fairy tales never tell us is that the reality of “a happily ever after” is not dependent on fate and chance (or even magic); but on the daily, intentional choices we make to love our partner.

Unconditional love, as a critical ingredient for the success of any marriage relationship, is not dependent on how we “feel” about our partner; because sometimes we will be angered and annoyed by the actions of our beloved. It is a conscious decision to Love despite the flaws and hurtful experiences we may have to put up with in the relationship. 

Giving unconditional love may be difficult (and even impractical) for some who are in abusive relationships; in which case wisdom and discretion is required. But the principles of Love depicted by Paul in the above scripture are still true, and were fully demonstrated in the Love that God had for humanity; in that while we were still sinners he loved us and sent us His son to die for our sins.

Having a Christ-like attitude and practicing such sacrificial love can be truly transformative,  even for challenging marriage relationships; and can create the “Happily Ever After” we all long for. This is the Power of Love

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 – NIV