Understanding Love’s Power Over Hate, in Everyday Language
Love Has a Way of Looking Into the Eyes of Hate
We often hear phrases like “love conquers all,” but what does that really mean in real life? Imagine a situation where someone is angry or hateful toward you. Most people would react with anger or try to fight back. But love, real love, does something different. Love looks hate right in the eyes and refuses to be changed by it. Instead of answering hate with more hate, love responds with patience and kindness.
What Does It Mean That “Love Never Fails”?
The idea that “love never fails” comes from a famous passage in the Bible: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. This isn’t just about romantic love—it’s about a deep, selfless kind of love called “agape.” This love is patient, kind, and doesn’t get jealous or brag about itself. It doesn’t act like it’s better than others, doesn’t insist on getting its own way, and doesn’t blow up in anger or hold grudges. Instead, it finds joy in what’s right and true, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always keeps going—no matter what.
Breaking It Down: What Does This Love Look Like?
· Patient: Takes a deep breath, doesn’t get irritated quickly, and sticks it out even when things are tough.
· Kind: Goes out of its way to help others and show genuine care, not just politeness.
· Not Envious or Boastful: Isn’t worried about what others have or showing off what it has.
· Not Proud or Rude: Treats people with respect, never acting like it’s above anyone else.
· Not Self-Seeking: Puts others first, doesn’t just think about “what’s in it for me?”
· Not Easily Angered: Doesn’t fly off the handle or keep a list of ways it’s been wronged.
· Finds Joy in Truth: Loves what’s right and honest, not what’s bad or hurtful.
· Always Protects, Trusts, Hopes, Perseveres: Sticks by others, believes in them, never gives up, and keeps going—even when it’s hard.
Love in Action: A Simple Example
Think about a time when you had every right to be mad at someone, but chose instead to be patient or show kindness. Maybe you forgave a friend who hurt you, or helped someone who didn’t seem to deserve it. That’s what this kind of love looks like—choosing compassion over retaliation, and understanding over judgment.
Why Is This Kind of Love Important?
In a world that can sometimes feel divided or mean, choosing love isn’t always the easy option. But it’s the only thing that really changes hearts—both ours and those around us. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s something we do, especially when it’s hardest. It’s a powerful force that refuses to give up, even when faced with hate.
A Call to Practice Real Love
If we want to see real change—in ourselves, our families, or our communities—we have to start by practicing this kind of love. It means letting go of selfishness, not needing to be right all the time, and putting others’ needs before our own. It means being watchful and diligent about how we treat people, and asking ourselves if love is really driving our actions.
In the end, love never fails because it keeps going, even when everything else seems to fall apart. It’s the one thing that can look hate in the eye and choose a better way. Next time you’re faced with anger or negativity, remember: love is patient, love is kind—and it never fails.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 