Day 6: Endure Together by Loving like Jesus
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, John 13:34
We can often hear 1 Corinthians 13 read at wedding ceremonies, right? In fact, maybe you have even had this passage recited at your wedding, which is great. But, what we must remember is that your love as husband and wife is meant to endure with the very qualities that the Apostle Paul wrote about.
Your love as husband and wife is meant to be patient. It is meant to be kind. It is not to be envious, prideful, or self-seeking. It is not to be easily angered. It is not meant to keep score. It is a love that is meant to rejoice with the truth and to not delight in evil. It is meant to protect, trust, hope, and persevere.
Now, if we are all being honest, we have not lived these qualities out perfectly in our marriages. There are no perfect marriages, as there are no perfect people.
Therefore, what we must remember in all of this is that the very love that Paul is describing in 1 Corinthians 13 has been perfectly demonstrated to us in Jesus. The love that Jesus has for you and your spouse is perfectly patient, kind, not self-seeking, protecting, and persevering. His love for us does indeed endure forever.
The love of Jesus for us is so wide, high, long, and deep that it will transform who we are. His love will make us more loving. If you want to love your spouse best, you need to love Christ most.
Let the love of Jesus fill your marriage, fill your hearts, and fill your lives today. And as you do, you will have the capacity and ability to love your spouse as Christ has loved you.
Love endures and love perseveres. Love like Jesus.
Conversation Starter:
How can your love for one another reflect in greater measure the love of Jesus for us?
Pray:
“Jesus, may we love one another today as you have loved us. Thank you for your love for us - may it shape us, guide us, and form us more and more into people who love like you. In your name we pray, Amen.”