Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.
An older relative might tell the story about the missed ferry for the third time this month, and you might nod along as if you hadn't heard it. In a moment like that, love rarely seems to be in the room. Your tea could go cold while your mind drifts to the shopping list, and still you keep listening.