Sharon Kennedy: Does love conquer all?
As we count down the days to the 25th, “love” becomes a universal theme. Preachers and politicians talk about it. Carolers sing of it. When friends and relatives depart our home, we reassure them they are loved despite their many flaws. Wherever we go in the next week, greetings of good cheer and happy holiday wishes will abound. Maybe love does conquer all. Maybe as the Grinch was reformed, his heart enlarged and we’re left to believe he’s a changed fellow, our Christmas love will last throughout the year whether or not we’re aware of Paul’s definition.
In Corinthians 1:13 Paul defined love as, “Patient, kind, free of envy or boasting and lacking in pride. Love does not dishonor others and is not self-seeking or easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrong.” How many Christians believe his definition? How many are even aware of it? I wasn’t until 40 years ago when I started studying the St. Joseph Catholic Bible. After reading this passage, I realized I had no idea of what it meant to love. The church I was raised in was run by a priest who never spoke of love, only of obedience so that’s what I equated with love.
As the birthday celebration of the man/god known as Jesus draws near, I wonder if love conquers all hatred, all anger, all pain. How can “love” overcome such feelings when that word is bantered around until it has become almost meaningless? People “love” their new car. Girls “love” the latest fashions. Boys “love” their Harleys. Women “love” a good bargain. Men “love” their John Deere tractors. So what do we mean when we say we “love” something or someone? Does our concept of love include conquering whatever negative emotions have found safe haven in our heart?
I’m not a non-denominational preacher, but I could be if I had finished the Rhema Bible Correspondence course I took 30 years ago. At that time I was excited about the word of God. I watched every TV evangelist I could find. When I chanced upon TBN, I was thrilled. Every free hour of every day and deep into the night was filled with the good news of the Bible. A former acquaintance called those years of my life my “Jesus coma” days. A lot of people thought I was crazy. I felt so close to the men of the Bible that I called them Matt, Dave and Dan. A Bible was always in my hands. My radio was constantly on a Christian station, but did I know how to love my neighbor as myself?
When put to the test by three “good” Catholic women, did I falter? Did love of my enemies dry up when they censored me? Was I gracious under pressure? When I lost my good name and worldly possessions, did I turn my face to the wall and deny Christ? A truthful answer is I was shaken to my core. I threw away my Bible. The only verse I quoted before falling asleep was “The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.” All others had fled as dry leaves in the wind.
Now as I take inventory of what “love” means to me, I conclude that unconditional love is not easy. Perhaps that’s what Paul was telling the people of Corinth. He knew they would be tried as he was. He knew love demanded endurance. As steel is strengthened in the furnace, love is strengthened or lost through trials, but I believe, eventually and beyond expectations, it does conquer all.
— To contact Sharon Kennedy, send her an email at sharonkennedy1947@gmail.com. Kennedy's new book, "View from the SideRoad: A Collection of Upper Peninsula Stories," is available from her or Amazon.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Sharon Kennedy: Does love conquer all?
