The ideas of eternity and infinity are difficult for me to understand. Comprehending that some realities exist outside the bounds of time stretches my imagination, challenges my intellect, and frankly gives me a headache. But we are told this is true of some things. One of those realities which escapes being defined by time is among the greatest gifts God has given us. The gift of love.
I Corinthians 13.
Starting at verse 8, we read Love never fails. Paul goes on to say that prophecies will cease, tongues will be stilled, and even knowledge will pass away. These things are not perfect, therefore they will not last. There will come a time, however, when we will see perfectly. Paul says, Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. That is to say, those imperfections mentioned above will pass away, and only what is perfect will last. What is perfect? And now these three remain: Faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Symbols of love.
Through the ages, we have tried to symbolize the truth of the eternal nature of love with a variety of images. Among those are the wedding band. Being circular, the band has no endpoint. Following its course, one never comes to a place where the band is no more. It is seemingly endless, symbolic of the love between a man and a woman joined together before God in holy marriage.
This is not a perfect representation of love, of course. For as Paul said, now we see but a poor reflection, as in a mirror. It is, however, a symbol. An attempt to understand and represent that which is beyond us at this point. An attestation that sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.
The reality of love.
What I have come to understand is that our experience of love is not an unending circle that never changes. Though love is infinite and exists beyond the realm of time, we who are bound by time see love change, grow, mature. Love itself may be perfect and infinite from the onset, but we are not. Our experience of love changes not because love itself is malleable and plastic, but we are. Put more simply, love may not change, but it certainly changes us.
So what's the point?
All of this is to say that I have come to the realization that time cannot tamper with love. Years may pass, we may age, but love does not. If love seems to have dimmed, it is because I have stepped away from its light. Just as if God seems distant it is not because He has moved, but rather I have drawn away from Him. Also, when love seems stronger it is not because love was once weak, but rather I have more fully embraced the strength which has always existed. The realities of God and love are constants; I am the only variable.
The point is love never fails. We may fail love, but love will never fail us. An anniversary, a birthday, a decade, the end of time--none of these affect love. Love perseveres. Love never fails.
To be continued . . .
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