What marvelous strength love has! The most powerful word that has ever been  said, God’s creative word, is “Be.” But the most powerful word any human being has ever said is, “I abide.” Reconciled to himself and to his conscience, the one who loves goes without defense into the most dangerous battle. He only says: “I abide.” But he will conquer, conquer by his abiding. There is no misunderstanding that cannot be conquered by his abiding, no hate that can ultimately hold up to his abiding – in eternity if not sooner.
SOREN KIERKEGAARD
FROM PROVOCATION: SPIRITUAL WRITINGS
OF KIERKEGAARD (THE PLOUGH PUBLISHING HOUSE, 1999)