I saw my first hummingbird of the year the other morning. I was starting think they weren’t going to show up this season, but I kept putting the nectar out, even though I felt a little silly.

If you know me, you know I love birds, especially hummingbirds. I love them so much, I’ll continue putting out food even if I don’t have proof they’ll even show up at all. Love will do that. Love will continue showing up even without being certain it’ll ever be returned.

When I saw the little bird show up at my feeder the other day, I felt God speak to me. He said this is what love is all about. It’s about showing up faithfully without proof or certainty that it will ever be returned. It’s about being willing to be wrong, look foolish, wind up disappointed. Because at the end of the day, true love is far worth the risk of all of those things.

We wait patiently for the hummingbird because love is patient. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

We provide nourishment for the one in need because love is kind, and love protects. (1 Corinthians 13:4) and (1 Corinthians 13:7)

We prepare and put out food even when we don’t know if it’ll be wasted because love hopes for all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

We continue to put out food all season long even if we don’t see anything because love perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

I had debated with myself quite a few times about giving up on the hummingbirds this season, but something inside just wouldn’t let me. That morning when I saw the little one at my feeder, I was sure glad I didn’t give up hope. I pray this inspires you too to not give up on those you love.

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)