Failing in love is better than succeeding in pride

Eugene Peterson puts the challenge this way in his book,

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society (IVP):

‘Every day I put love on the line. 

There is nothing I am less good at than love. 

I am far better in competition than love.

I am far better at responding to my instincts and ambitions to get ahead and make my mark than I am at figuring out how to love another.

I am schooled and trained in acquisitive skills, in getting my own way. 

And yet I decide, every day,

to set aside what I can do best and attempt what I do very clumsily 

– open myself up to the frustrations and failures of loving, daring to believe that failing in love is better than succeeding in pride.