God is love, and deep down, every one of us is searching for it. Some search in the right places, while others stumble through the wrong ones, hoping to find something that will satisfy the ache in their souls. For some, love has become so distorted by disappointment that they echo the words of an old song: “What’s love got to do with it?” But the truth is—love has everything to do with it.
I will never forget March 21, 2023. I stood at my aisle that morning believing it would be just another day. Yet it became the precursor to one of the most unforgettable semesters of my life.
God spoke something into my spirit so clearly that I posted it on Facebook:
“I remember when we were kids in school, and the teacher got ready to take attendance. We had to say PRESENT. I heard Present loud in my spirit. Make sure you are present and in your seat!!! God is getting ready to call your name again. PRESENT!!!”
Eight days later, on March 29, my life shifted. That morning, love called my name. God revealed to me that I did not have to chase love through dating. My future husband would find me. And though he never literally called my name, love did.
I prayed that God would allow my husband’s love to unlock my heart without questions. And in the beginning, it was beautiful—an unexpected journey of restoration. I felt like I was fifteen years old again. My heart was being restored immediately. I quickly discovered what it meant not only to love but to be in love. He was intentional, doing the work, saying the right words. We had divine alignment.
But then the exams began.
Love’s classroom is not without tests. I found myself learning lessons that only experience could teach. I had to study hard—through tough conversations, unhealthy boundaries, rejection, confusion, comparison, and even the heat of fiery trials. I checked off the boxes of patience, kindness and love keeps no record of wrong. I stayed in my seat even when it was uncomfortable, because God had enrolled me in the class.
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13 became more than verses on a page; they became the study guide of my soul:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
When fear made him draw back, I chose to stay present. When doubt tried to whisper, I remembered that God had sent me and love never fails. Even when my name wasn’t called right away, I knew I was in the right class, the right seat, and I was not late—I was right on time.
Love’s classroom isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Just like when I was a little girl who had to say “present” when her teacher called roll, I had to present myself fully to the lessons of love. To remain seated even when it was difficult. To trust that God, the greatest Teacher of all, was guiding the curriculum of our hearts. I believed he was taking the same test and always hopeful he was passing like me.
And here’s what God showed me: we have to be able to pass our final comprehensive exam called the curriculum of crisis when it is time to cross over to the other side. Pastor Dharius Daniels said it best: the weather didn’t change the word. It’s the same answer He gave you on the shore before the storm. Because even when the storm itself can’t destroy you, your reaction and decision to the storm can. Don’t self-sabotage.
The journey was not easy, but it was worth it. Every test and trial has become a page in my textbook of faith and love. And with every lesson, God reminded me: I passed and came forth as pure gold. God will honor me because I honored Him and obeyed. I encourage you to obey God as well even when the storm is raging and you believe Jesus doesn’t care like the disciplines questioned Jesus.
So, if you find yourself in love’s classroom today, don’t run from the exams. Don’t change seats. Don’t leave when it gets hard. Stay present. Stay teachable. Stay rooted in the truth that God is love, and His love never fails even if he doesn’t call your name. Love will call you again.