The Knots That Hold Love Together

Inspired by insights from A.B. Simpson

"It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs."
— 1 Corinthians 13:5 (BSB)

In traditional Hindu dress, a woman’s robe is elegantly draped and held together by a single, small knot. That simple knot secures the entire garment, allowing it to flow beautifully. But if that knot comes undone, the entire robe unravels.

Our spiritual lives are much like this. The virtues and graces God calls us to wear—kindness, patience, humility—are beautifully woven together by the garment of love. Yet this garment is held in place by small, often overlooked "knots."

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul describes love not so much by what it does but by what it refuses to do. Love does not envy,does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. These repeated “nots” are the spiritual knots that hold love’s garment securely in place.

When these small knots come undone—when we allow envy, pride, or resentment to slip in—our spiritual covering becomes loose, leaving us vulnerable and exposed. Just as a robe needs its knot to stay in place, our spiritual lives require careful attention to these small but essential boundaries.

Neglecting these "nots" can unravel our witness, our relationships, and even our sense of peace. Yet when we hold fast to them, love remains securely wrapped around us, radiating Christ’s presence to others.

Consider how easily a threadbare garment can fray at the edges. It's the unnoticed, daily compromises—holding a grudge, letting pride whisper in our ear, seeking our own way—that slowly loosen the knot. But when we choose love's restraint, we are securely fastened in God's grace.

Prayer:
Lord, I desire to be clothed in Your love, fully and securely. Show me the small places in my heart where I let envy, pride, or anger loosen the garment You’ve given me. Fasten me with the "nots" of love, so that my life may reflect Your beauty and grace. Keep me attentive to the little things that hold me together in You. Amen.

Final Thought:
The strength of love often rests in its quiet refusals—the small "nots" that prevent our hearts from unraveling. Pay attention to these knots. They hold everything together.