The world has many different definitions of love. Yet, only one book holds love's true meaning.
Today I would like to break down this meaningful scripture.
New International Version (NIV)
4 Love is:
patient, love is kind.- Patience. I know I will need to lean on God for patience as I enter into married life. It will be an adjustment to live with someone else who does things differently than I do. Yet, I will need to rely on God to remind me that different is not bad. It is just...different.
It does not envy, it does not boast-This scripture is a great equalizer. My love must not weigh one person's pit falls as greater than another, at the same time my love must not brag that one person's successes are greater than another.
it is not proud.- We can achieve nothing on our own, so we must not fervently pat each other on the back for our successes. Instead it should be a moment to come to our knees and thank God for His provision and blessings.
5 It does not dishonor others,- It is easy to fall into the trap of making ourselves (and our loved ones) look better by pointing the finger at someone else. It is very difficult to love not only those who love us, but those who hurl insults at us. We love them by not returning the degradation, but turning the other cheek in silence.
it is not self-seeking,- This reminds me of integration. When school's began to mix ethnicities, the parents of the affluent children increased support and funding for the schools because they wanted their child to have the best, not because they suddenly felt compassion to the other students. It is very difficult to have a love so large that it extends beyond our own blood and friends.
it is not easily angered,- Anger alters our ability to think clearly. It is important to practice remaining calm so that we can earnestly listen to one another.
it keeps no record of wrongs.- Ay yi yi. We say we forgive, but do we really forget? True love forgives and forgets. It does not bring old wounds into existing battles as weapons. Psalm 103:12 says that the Lord has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west. We need to call on his strength to follow that example of forgiveness.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.- Love does not wish harm on someone that "deserves it." Love prays that they may be saved by the Truth.
7 It always protects,- Love is like a caring big brother. Love stands up for what is right despite persecution and humility.
always trusts,- Love believes in the good of people. It is not wary and skeptical.
always hopes,- Love always believes that a person will find The Way, despite how many wrong turns that they have made.
always perseveres.- Love lasts....forever.
Brittany...this is really good...totally enjoyable... keep up the good work... and yes... marriage is for a lifetime... a lifetime, yes..forever.. much easier to get into marriage then to get out... Good luck and smile :)
ReplyDeleteI just saw your comment. Thank you very much for the well-wishes and thanks for reading! Have a happy Thanksgiving!
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