Unconditional Love

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

I Cor 13:4-7

When in Punyaro (rural village outside Otavalo), there was one Quechua couple that really stands out for me. It was an elderly couple (rare to see couples in 70s in rural Ecuador). The wife relayed a story that her husband had been an abusive drunk earlier in their marriage. If one cheek was bruised, he would hit the other. He had lost his left eye in a fight while intoxicated. She complained of pain in multiple sites (probably some old injuries and arthritis). Her husband later had a stroke. He required a cane and foot turned under frequently when walking. Now she was a caregiver for her husband. She took him to the doctor and provided for their needs that he was not able to meet.

It just reminded me of final days of Christ here on earth. I do not support the abuse, but it was an example of her love despite circumstances.

Remembering Christ's sacrifice,
Kim