Chrism

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…” (1 Cor. 13:4-8)

Love is patient. It endures evils, hurt, provocation without feeling resentment or the need for revenge. Love beats anger, and perseveres in patience against others instead of resenting their conduct. Love puts up with the people it loves. 

Love is kind.  It is gentle, abundant, respectful, and obliging. Love is ready to do favors and spread good. It searches for opportunities to be useful to others and its character is to help all those in need.

Love does not envy. It is not saddened or hurt by the success of others or by the gifts they have received or the good qualities that they possess. Instead it rejoices at the prosperity of others and is never grieved by their well-being. 

Love thinks no evil. It is not constantly suspicious of the evil of others. It does not leave room for malice, or ill-opinion towards anyone. True love hides the faults of others, and it will not indulge in suspicions without any proof. 

Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth. True love is happy with all that is right and good. It does not hide sin, nor does it seek ways to hide bad actions. It promotes virtue and good behavior, and does not allow for injustice, unfairness or discrimination.

Love bears all things and endures all things. It is patient when provoked and it holds firm through all matters of injustices. It stands fast through difficulties and is strong in the face of troubles. 

Love hopes all things. It believes well of everyone and has a good opinion of others while at the same time being cautious and wise. Love is full of frankness, it judges well, and it sees good in everything. 

Love never fails. Love is permanent, unending, lasting into eternity. Love is the language of heaven and love is God. 

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34)