Love is patient, love is kind.… It is not proud .… It is not self-seeking …. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
From 1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)
Comment
These well known verses describe God’s love for us.
I know that love is a verb; it involves action as well as feelings. I know that I need to be intentional and I know what ‘love language’ to best use when I want to show love to my partner.
The bit I struggle with is this… My love usually has strings attached. I want something back. If I clean up the kitchen or go out of my way to be encouraging – so often, at the back of my mind is the hope that my actions will be noticed and rewarded. So what is meant to be noble, selfless and unconditional ends up with strings attached. Ho, hum – am I the only person like this?
I guess I need God’s continual refining to be able to love like he does.
How about you?
Don’t forget – Praying together makes a difference.
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear Lord, Help me to love others, in particular …. (partner’s name) in the way that you love me. Help me to love as Jesus loves us; without strings attached through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Dear Lord, We we pray for ….. and …. and for other couples in our community. May you give them a new ability to love one another intentionally and without strings attached. Amen
Quote
“People are made to be loved and things are made to be used. The confusion in this world is that people are being used and things are being loved.” ~ Unknown
For more on the 5 Love Languages click here
