About this quote

It points to a simple rule: let care for people guide your actions. Belief and hope can steady you, but the way you treat others is what actually lasts. Ask yourself: where can you do one small, concrete act that helps someone today? Make a phone call, bring a meal, or sit through a hard conversation. Do that often and your choices will start to line up with what truly matters.

When to use it

• At my dad's bedside in hospice I squeezed his hand and said, 'I keep thinking of that line about faith, hope and love — it's love that matters now.'
• Giving the wedding toast, I told the couple, 'You can plan careers and dreams, but choose love when you disagree.'
• During a tense staff meeting about cuts I said, 'Let's remember people here; policy is important, but how we treat each other matters more.'
• After our team's loss a player was in tears; I put an arm around him and said, 'Wins fade. Stick together. Think of that verse about love being greatest.'