The essence of love described in Elisabeth Elliot's "Let Me be a Woman" emphasizes its patience and constructive nature. True love is devoid of possessiveness and does not seek to impress others with grandiosity. It prioritizes good manners and avoids selfish intentions, demonstrating a genuine concern for others rather than a focus on personal gain. Love is resilient, enduring in difficult times, and rejoices in the success of truth and goodness, rather than dwelling on negativity or past wrongs.

This perspective on love portrays it as an enduring force that transcends challenges and hardships. It embodies an unshakeable trust and hope that remains steadfast when everything else may falter. Elliot suggests that love is not only about personal feelings but also about a broader sense of commitment and joy in the goodness of others. Ultimately, it represents the highest enduring quality in human relationships, capable of withstanding trials and emerging unscathed.