I think my first introduction to the poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning came in the 11^th grade. I loved some of her “love poems,” especially those addressed to her husband, Robert Browning. There is a cool story about her most famous writing to him.

“One evening, Elizabeth rose from the supper table, moved to her husband’s side and shyly placed a sheaf of papers in his coat pocket. On those papers were written her “Sonnets from the Portuguese,” considered by many to be among the finest love poems ever written. In that first draft, Browning wrote this beautiful line:

                The face of all the world has changed

                Since I first heard the footsteps of your soul.”

Such a beautiful line! Truth is human beings have tried to express the impact and importance of love since the beginning of time. Some of those works are wonderful but they all fall short of truly expressing what love does.  On the other hand, when God writes the poetry, it sings!

Consider a well-known passage from the book of I Corinthians, chapter 13 where Paul defines love by how it behaves.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Loves does not delight in evil. Love never fails” (I Cor. 13:4-8).

So maybe this week is a grand opportunity to examine our relationships. Let’s not ask ourselves if we love so and so. But rather, let’s ask ourselves “how does my love behave towards my spouse, my child, my boss, my neighbor?”

Do I dishonor anyone by the way I talk or how I refer to them in conversations with others. What pet names do I use when talking about my husband or wife? Old Ball and Chain? The Nag? What stories do I share about my children? Are they seen in a positive light, or do I make fun of their immaturity?

Are we easily angered when we don’t get our own way? Do we shout, mutter obscenities, withhold affection or endlessly complain?

Do we keep emotional score? In heated discussions do we declare, “That’s the 52^nd time you have accused me of doing that!?” Have we learned to accept an apology and move on? Or do we keep the smolders of resentment burning?

When we hear the footsteps of our loved ones does it make us smile? Are we ready to seek their best? Can we set aside our own pride and work towards their good?

When we can say YES to those kinds of questions, we are behaving in a loving manner. And our actions will always speak louder that even gorgeous love poetry. Love doesn’t fail when we care for others first.