 |
||
|
Marriage Love Hurts BIBLE REFERENCE: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13 You ever heard the expression "Love Hurts." This expression can be painfully true when "love" blinders come off in a relationship. It took me a long time to fall in love. I spent a lot of time romanticizing about my Knight in Shining Armor in daydreams. God finally sent me a "knight", but the more I grow in this relationship, the more I realize my focus must remain on the true Knight in Shining Armor, my Lord and Savior Jesus. I understand now why God made me wait so long for a man to come into my life. He had to teach me a few things about love that now I have to apply. I find myself really having to trust in Him. Before I would have easily given up and quit when things were not going my way in a relationship. Now I'm extremely aware that the devil wants me to live in bondage of my old fears. I believed for awhile that I was not fit to be a mate or married to someone. But God knew after I opened my heart to him that I would be ready for my soulmate to walk into my life. He needed to break me down and humble my heart enough to learn to love someone unconditionally who was not necessarily a member of my family. He is teaching me daily that this "love thing" is very serious. Marriage is highly regarded in God's eyes. It is the ultimate covenant between two best friends until death separates them. The "love" between a man and a woman should last through many years of conversations, hugs, adventures, disappointments, fears, tears, pain, and so much more. It would be nice if relationships would not go through some really crazy moments. Paul recommended that singleness was better because "those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this." (1 Corinthians 7:28b) Adam's soul mate, Eve, was deceived by a snake, unfortunately the first married couple set the pattern for the rest of us. Abram lied to protect his beautiful wife, Sarai (Genesis 12:10-20). Samson lost his eye and his strength messing around with Delilah (Judges 16:4-20). David saw Bathsheba and murdered for her (2 Samuel 11:2-27). This "love thing" is some serious stuff!!! 1 Corinthians 13, which is known as the "love" chapter provides instructions for all types of relationships. It is a wonderful passage to read time and time again as a reminder when things are not quite so "lovey-dovey"! :) "Love is patience, love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." When your feelings are hurt, you will look past the need to be mean or spiteful. Patience is needed by each individual to understand each other personality quirks. God made each person different, and each person has their own opinions and ideas. It's alright to disagree, but remember to agree to be kind towards each other. "It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. " There is no room for two people who are "one" to think ONLY about themselves. Each person should think of each other's feelings, that is follow Jesus' second commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:29). There is no room for keeping up with who was wrong or right. Forgiveness is required for the unity of the relationship. The relationship can't grow spiritually as long as past conflicts remain unresolved. "Love always protects, always trusts and always hopes." Two people should be willing to communicate with each other about their feelings. Love requires that each person protect the other's feelings and as well as trust them with their feelings. "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love." Love is a four-letter word that can not be taken lightly. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16)." For the believers in Christ, our relationship must reflect that of our Lord and Savior. PRAYER: Lord, I come to you as your humble servant, first thanking you for my life you have so graciously spared. I thank you for the many blessings you have brought into my life, especially the blessing of being able to find "true love". As I grow in the coming years in this relationship, I ask for daily guidance from the Holy Spirit for myself as well as my soulmate. Lord, bless those who are reading this message right now that they receive healing in their relationships and marriages. I pray that we all remember that love involves a triangle with you at the top. In the name of Jesus, Amen. For permission to reprint this devotion or study in a publication, please contact Tyora Moody at editor@faithwebbin.net or visit her personal Web site, CookieAisle.com.
|
|
|