In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul noted how life lived without love is actually nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) However, the essence of that love is to be as God would have it. We must remember what Paul listed as the godly characteristics of the love with which we are to love where we read. . .
“(4) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (5) or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; (6) it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. (7) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV)
Paul went on to state that “love never ends” (1 Corinthians 13:8); it continues to abide. And, of course, because “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and He ever exists!
Paul addressed these qualities because it is such love that is necessary for abiding and united relationships within the church, the body of Christ. This is the love that is also necessary for the abiding in any relationship, including marriage. Without a proper perspective of love, there will be great struggles in relationships. Any marriage that has stood the test of time has required loving in the way Paul described in this passage. They are qualities which help relationships not only to survive, but to thrive!
When God gave Adam the gift of Eve as his suitable companion, we find God’s design for marriage from the beginning stated where we read. . .
“ (24) Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24 ESV)
That picture of a united relationship was repeated by Jesus in His discussion of marriage (Matthew 19:5) as well as by the apostle Paul. (Ephesians 5:31) However, Jesus went on to state. . .
“(6) So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Matthew 19:6 ESV)
Today (August 3, 2024) my wife and I celebrate fifty years of marriage. Being imperfect people, it has taken a commitment to keep loving with the kind of love Paul noted and it is with that love we must press on. It is love that is not self-centered, but rather other-centered with a willingness to work for the good of the united relationship and through whatever interpersonal challenges may arise. This is what God desires us to do in other relationships as well. May we each grow in loving as God would have us and so glorify Him in the relationships into which we have been drawn!
Have a great day GROWING IN LOVING WITH AN ENDURING LOVE!
Carl
