Craig Clouston

 

Unfailing Love Shares Everything

October 29

“Love never fails.”

1Corinthians 13:8

He’d been to many Contemporary Christian concerts, but this was one he would not soon forget. Not because these were two of his favorite artists, but because by the end of the evening he would view unfailing love in a different light.

Sitting behind two women, the man was curious when he saw them signing. Shortly, he established that only one was deaf, and wondered about the implications: Why would you come to a concert if you can’t hear the music?

Looking closer he smiled; they appeared to be a thirty-something “Mom” with her teenage daughter; one was sharing the other’s experience and joy. It didn’t matter that she couldn’t hear; just sharing the event was enough.

As the night progressed, one would tap the other on the arm and a series of signs and gestures would rapidly occur, followed by nods and smiles. Several times he thought of interrupting their conversation to tell them how it blessed him that one of them would endure the frustration of not being able to hear the music in order to build memories with the other, but he refrained.

What he would never forget was the look of joy on their faces, one saying “Thanks for sharing this with me!” The other assuring, “What brings you joy matters to me!”

Watching this display, he realized; unfailing love shares everything.

†

One woman’s deafness didn’t mean she couldn’t feel the music, but would that have been enough to entice her to attend the event alone? Sensual experience aside, she probably could have found something more meaningful to her to do with her time. But because of her love for the other, she was at that concert.

Unfailing love transcends all boundaries. It is selfless in origin and nature, looking past and moving beyond perceived barriers. It places others ahead of itself without limitation.

We have a Savior Who taught us to love in such a way. His Name is Jesus, and everything we do matters to Him.

Prayer

“Thank you, Lord Jesus, for setting the example of what unfailing love looks like. Teach us to love others in such a way that they might experience the depth of that kind of love. Amen.”