The Greatest of These

based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-13.

That which is often confused with romance –  is patient.
That which is the defining essence of God –  is kind.
That feeling which most pop songs aspire to capture –
      does not envy.

That which is more influential than celebrity –  does not boast.
That which is more consequential than politics –  is not proud.
That which makes hard men write poetry
      and soft women watch rugby –  does not behave rudely.

That which is a four letter word –  thinks no evil.
That which is used to rhyme with SHOVE –  is not easily angered.
That which is often reduced to the salutation at the end of a letter – 
      is not selfish.

That which transcends the law –  does not rejoice in wrongdoings.
That which sees the best in people –  always defends.
That which inspires humans to give without thought of receiving – 
      always trusts.

That which prompts a man and a woman
      to commit their whole lives together –
      always expects the best.
That which binds a mother to a child;
      a people to a land;
      a God to a universe –
      always, always, always perseveres.

That which is more than sentiment –  is greater than faith.
That which is more than a lofty ideal –  is greater than hope.
That which, when perfect, drives out all fear –
      goes on… goes on… goes on… forever.