November 19 | 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7, ESV)
You hear it at every wedding ceremony. It seems every couple getting married references “The Love Chapter.” And with good reason. Paul’s words about love are inspired, touching, and something to aspire to. Would that every marriage understood not just the words but could demonstrate them every day.
But 1 Corinthians 13 is not about romantic love. It is not about the love between husband and wife. At least not in the original context. Paul wrote these words about unconditional love Christians show while exercising the gifts of the Spirit.
Can we use these beautiful words about love for marriages? Absolutely! When a husband and wife have Jesus at the center of their marriage they should be showing this kind of love to one another. Romantic love doesn’t last forever. But the unconditional love based on our actions does.
Romantic love will come and go like the tides of the ocean. But when husband and wife love each other like this the marriage goes smoothly.
Action Step: Choose to love your spouse with actions, unconditional love whether romantic love is there or not.
Jesus, teach me to love my spouse unconditionally all the time. I want to glorify you in my marriage. Show me the way my spouse loves me. May I always choose the love Paul talks about over suspicion. Give me patience and understanding in every situation.
