So what do we do? We listen. We stop being afraid of hearing that we are wrong. We recognize our tendency to ignore our own flaws and begin to get real with our selves, right there in front of those that we love. It’s right then and there that something magnificent happens. We begin to understand that not only are we not perfect, but it is actually our imperfections that allow others to love us. True love isn’t found in perfection, but imperfection. We think that the best thing we can do is hide behind lists of accomplishments, in hopes that we impress those we care about into loving us. When all along, it’s those very people who are also struggling with their own flaws and weaknesses. They’re desperate to find someone who will be with them in their imperfections and not judge their weaknesses.
1 Corinthians 13:4 says, “ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud.”
It is no accident that Paul starts to describe love by suggesting it be done with humility. Love must be entered into humbly if it has any chance at succeeding. When we face the truth of our fears, failures, and weaknesses with those we love, we find the treasure of acceptance that floods our hearts with hope, joy, and the peace of belonging.