1 Corinthians 13:4-7
How about a month of posts all about love? It’s February, why not? Valentine’s Day, young love, hearts, chocolates, roses, everything is wonderful….until it’s not. If you’ve been married long enough, you know that this kind of “love” does not last. Love is hard. Love takes work. Love doesn’t always seem worth it.
When my husband and I were dating, I was talking to a friend about some concerns I had for our relationship. I was complaining about our struggles, and I was deciding whether or not I wanted to become more serious in our relationship. She asked, “are there more good times than bad?” She was really asking, “is it worth it?” Have you ever asked yourself this question?
You got married for a reason, that reason was probably love. Love doesn’t just disappear, but you do have to work at it and keep that love alive. And sometimes you have to work REALLY hard!
Has your love fizzled? Do you ever feel like you want to give up?
So what does love really mean? I don’t think I can answer that in one post. Honestly, can any of us truly answer that question? There is no other way than to look at scripture.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 (TLB)
“Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.”
Patience… we do our best, but with everything we do every day, our patience runs thin. Being a teacher, I can truly say that by the time I get home, my patience can be gone. I can have very little, or none left for the people who need it most.
And, let’s be honest, if our patience is gone, how much kindness do we show?
Envy... have you ever wished you had a marriage like a couple in the next pew? Many couples have a good marriage, but I can tell you that no matter what they look like at church, their marriage probably doesn’t always look like that. They have problems too, and they have to work just like the rest of us.
Does not boast??? How about the times when we want to say (or do say), “ I told you so?”
Pride...seeking fault and an elevated view of self.
Selfish...wanting our own way?
Irritable and touchy??? My attitude often needs a tune-up! My husband is usually pretty quick to let me know it too.
Hold grudges...hardly notice when the other does wrong? I know I’m not the only one guilty here.
Truth... Oh, I just won’t tell him about it. Oh, that’s not a big deal. How many times have you said that “innocent” statement?
Loyalty... I don’t think this just means loyalty as in infidelity. How many of you talk to your girlfriends about your husband? Are you protecting his character? Do not talk negatively about him, do not tell your best friend those things that should be kept confidential between the two of you. Don’t go tell your mom that he messed up again. Protect him and be loyal to him in this way.
Believe in him, be his cheerleader.
Expect the best of him, don’t assume the worst.
Always defend him. Just like loyalty, protect him in this way.
Do you have hope that your better days are ahead? That you can make it through this season? Love ALWAYS perseveres. No matter what, you keep working toward a stronger marriage. NEVER give up. God has put the two of you together, keep going. Love is a choice, we don’t always feel it. We have to choose to love every day, but it’s worth it.
I love the way The Message Bible translates this scripture, seeing it translated this way really opens my eyes and makes me want to use my favorite emoji.
“Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.”
Lord, thank you for giving me a life partner. I pray that you help me use this scripture to guide me every day as I do my best to show my husband love. Help me to be patient and kind. Help me not to be rude or selfish. Help me to give grace and not be easily angered, and help me not to keep a record of his wrongs. Help me to protect him with my words and actions, and help me trust him completely. Give me the hope that we can persevere no matter what comes our way.
Journal Prompt: As you read this scripture, reflect on the areas that you need to improve. Which of these areas need the most improvement? And, what can you do to show your husband love today?
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