This is my command: Love each other. John 15:17 NLT
God clearly desires that we love each other, but how does the Bible define love?
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT
I challenge you today to really think about the relationships in your life, in light of the definition of love given in 1 Corinthians 13, and determine if you are loving those whom God has brought into your life. Start with your spouse, since next to Christ, they should be the one you show the most love to.
Are you patient with your spouse. Patience presupposes that they are going to make mistakes and let you down. Do they see your love through your patience when they are less than you want them to be? Are your words and actions kind? Kindness, in the perimeters of the marriage relationship, includes putting their interests above your own, going the extra mile to bring them joy, giving them your undivided attention when they are speaking, never entertaining the thought of divorce or unfaithfulness, loving them unconditionally despite their short comings.
Love is not jealous. We can be jealous about many things, not just other people. Do you allow your spouse the time they need to accomplish all that God desires them to do? Are you boastful or proud or rude? Do you remember that you are not in competition with your spouse but that God has called you to work together and to support each other.
Love does not demand it’s own way. Do you make choices considering your spouse’s desires before you consider your own? Are you irritable with your spouse? Do you leave the stress of the work day at work or bring it home and take it out on your spouse?
Love keeps no record of wrongs! In marriage, this one is critically important. Never remind your spouse about past mistakes. Resist the temptation to remember them yourself, and do not revisit past arguments! Are you saddened when your spouse is treated unjustly and do you rejoice together when truth wins out, even if it means that you were wrong?
Love never gives up; never, never, never give up on your spouse! Be their biggest supporter! Never lose faith in them, always give them the benefit of the doubt.
Love endures through EVERY circumstance! Make sure your commitment to your spouse and to your marriage never wavers. When you’ve settled the matter that divorce is not an option, you approach difficult problems differently, you have a stronger desire to find a solution together, and you’re forced to compromise and work it out. And in the end, if both partners are committed to work through any problem, you will find that your love grows stronger when challenged and you will weather the storms of life far better.
Don’t stop with just evaluating your love for your spouse. How about your children, your friends, your parents, your siblings, your pastor, your co-workers, your clients, your boss…..
This is my command: Love each other. – Jesus