Love is patient, love is kind.  Love does not envy, is not boastful, it is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs.  Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end, as for languages they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8 HCSB

1 Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter. It is often recited at Weddings.

It also brings to mind Valentine’s Day.  some of us will happily celebrate it with the one we love.  Some of us will celebrate with beloved family members and friends.  Some of us will reflect and miss loves that are gone. No matter what time of the year it is that you are reading this, my hope for you is that you are experiencing the kind of love mentioned in this scripture passage.

This is the kind of love that God has for his children.  It is the kind of love that we should have for each other.  We should be patient and we should be kind. Pride should not enter into the equation.  How many fights have you had with your loved one that dragged on longer than they should have because of foolish pride?  Pride has no place in love.  When we love someone we should want to bring them honor.  We should respect them.  Not being easily angered is where that whole patience thing comes into play.  Love doesn’t keep a score card.

I hope that today you are celebrating the kind of love that never delights in evil but always rejoices in the truth.  And most of all, I hope that you are experiencing a love that protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.

I am happy to say that I have come to accept the kind of love that Christ has for me.  I am also happy to say that since my husband and I have dedicated our lives to Christ, that we have learned to have that kind of love for each other.

If you are looking for love today, turn to God first.  In Matthew 6:33, we are instructed to first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things will be added to us.

Sadly in counseling you often see couples struggling because they are not putting God first in their lives.  I know what this is like, my husband and I went through a season like that.  So please, trust me when I say that if you put God first in your life, He really will see that the rest of it falls into place.

Perhaps you have found what you believe to be the love of your life and things are not going well today.  Take a minute to analyze your relationship.  Does it fit this scripture?  How does it measure up?  The Bible instructs us on many things and here it gives us a picture of what a loving relationship should look like.  Are you in a relationship with someone who is self-seeking and easily angered.  Be careful.   John 15:13 says “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  This is the kind of love that Christ has for us.  He did this while we were sinners.  He did this out of love.

I hope today first and foremost that you have found the love of Christ.  I hope that you have accepted Him as your Savior and are experiencing the peace and joy that comes from a life with Christ’s love.  If you are in a relationship that you are unsure about, then I encourage you to draw near to God.  Don’t be afraid to apply biblical principles to your relationships.  Don’t be afraid to use your Bible as a manual for living life, that’s what it’s there for.  God wants us to live according to His instructions.  When we do this, God takes care of all the rough stuff.

So today as you celebrate love, remember the kind of love that Christ has for us.  Embrace the love that He offers.  It’s there for the taking.  And remember to put Him first in your life and trust Him to put everything else into place.

Have a great day!