June 9, 2013 marks a very special day for my good friends Richard Poon and Maricar Reyes. They said their “I Do’s” in front of family and friends for their wedding. It was the most beautiful wedding I have attended.
My wife and I know their story since the beginning — the ups and downs, the loooong break-up, the what-if moments — we have the best seats in a live telenovela show.
Richard and his manager Erick, have been my best friend for 13 years. We would watch Richard’s band perform in poorly attended bars at the onset of his career. Today, his hard work and perseverance has paid off. As Richard’s long time friend, I saw him jump from one relationship to the next, hoping to find the girl he’ll spend the rest of his life with. He would open up to us about a girl, only to discover that he already laid down his intention of courtship the next day. For an obvious lack of subtlety, he would pursue a girl at lightning speed. But he got tired of his old ways and started focusing on God’s love first.
In I Corinthians 13, the love chapter in the Bible, it teaches us what love really is:
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Want to know if what you’re feeling is true love? You could change the word love and replace it with your own name instead:
4 _____ is patient, _____ is kind. _____ does not envy, _____ does not boast, _____ is not proud. 5 _____ does not dishonor others, _____ is not self-seeking, _____ is not easily angered, _____ keeps no record of wrongs. 6______ does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 _____ always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Richard waited for Maricar and vice versa. They had a break for one-year in their relationship to seek God first and know if it is His will that they be together. In order to know love, you have to know God first because one of God’s characteristics is love. But his love is so much different than ours; God’s love is called ‘Agape’ or unconditional love. It is a selfless love, a love that puts others above one’s self. Richard wanted to have that kind of love for Maricar that’s why he waited patiently.
Maricar on the other hand, sought God in her darkest time. She didn’t look for affirmation elsewhere…she look to God. And God is a God of comebacks. He is our biggest fan and supporter. Romans 8:28 says: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. If you follow God, He makes even the bad things be for your good, as strange as it sounds. And Maricar made God her source of joy and peace. She discovered the love of God in her darkest time.
Richard and Maricar made history yesterday. When the words “You May Now Kiss the Bride” were spoken, THEY KISSED EACH OTHER FOR THE FIRST TIME. Wow! I think they are the first showbiz personalities that kissed for the first time on their wedding day. This is a testimony of their love and respect for each other and their love for God. It’s amazing how God used them and their love story for His glory. Here’s another good news, God can use you too.
Let’s learn from Richard and Maricar’s love story, a story of true love, a love that can only come from God. To my friends, congratulations! And to you, find true love by finding Jesus first.