So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. Genesis 29:20
A reading through these chapters reveals deep family problems: favoritism by the parents, deceitfulness between the brothers, trickery by a new brother-in-law, and more. The issues are deep, causing problems for generations.
Yet, this verse of Jacob’s love for Rachel must be the most romantic verse in the Bible. His love for her overlooked the years of labor that would be required for him to marry her. Even though he did not enjoy how the circumstances were concluded (because of the deep family problems), Jacob’s love for Rachel was not tempered by the work, the time, or the trickery. His love persisted.
Our love will overcome all obstacles. Love is more than infatuation, more than pleasure, more than lust. Real love cares for the other person more than self. Personal needs become less important than demonstrating selfless, generous love for someone else. Love overcomes all obstacles.
Father, help me to love, really love.