Love Is (Still) In The Air
Where it began
Dave and I celebrated 21 years of (mostly) wedded bliss last week. Like so many couples, we’d included I Corinthians 13:4-8 in our ceremony.
As I reminisced about our wedding day, God prompted me to write out the love chapter in my journal, personalizing the text for us. (This is not unusual for me, personalizing scripture is a great way to make the text more powerful and applicable.)
When I was done, Holy Spirit prompted me to rewrite the chapter in my own words. The exercise was so powerful, I thought I’d share the results with you.
You don’t have to be married to reap the benefits of this sage advice. This passage on love is paramount wisdom for every relationship. *
I Corinthians 13:4-8
Love [Your name here] is patient …
Be a good listener. Don’t interrupt, roll your eyes, or tap your foot. Let him finish his sentences. Don’t push him to make decisions he hasn’t thoroughly researched or insist he do projects/chores at your pace.
Love [Your name here] is kind …
Be sweet with your words and actions. Stand by him in battle. Affirm him in peace.
It [Your name here] does not envy …
Focus on who he is without demanding or even wishing he was someone else.
It [Your name here] does not boast, it is not proud.
Do not exalt your contributions, acts of service or material possessions or compare them to what he does.
It [Your name here] is not rude, it [Your name here] does not dishonor others …
Be sensitive with your words and actions, both toward him and about him to others. Do not tease or mock him or cause him harm.
It [Your name here] is not self-seeking …
A “what’s in it for me?” attitude undermines the mutual respect and intentionality necessary for a relationship to thrive. Die to self and live to love well.
It [Your name here] is not easily angered …
Take up no offenses without good cause, believe his intentions are good toward you.
It [Your name here] keeps no record of wrongs …
Destroy tally sheets documenting all of his flaws, weaknesses and mistakes. Forgive the accumulation of past offenses and do not use them to justify your disrespectful behavior toward him.
Love [Your name here] does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth …
Resist temptations that lead to destruction. Secret purchases, clandestine online conversations, overindulging in intoxicating beverages and substances, or angry outbursts.
It [Your name here] always protects …
Guard his heart with your love by being your very best.
always trusts …
Believe the best of him, trust his motives. Use your love to bring out the best in him.
always hopes …
Do not give up hoping your relationship will continue to get better and better as time goes by.
always perseveres …
Do not give up doing whatever you can do to bring richness and depth to the relationship – even if he cannot or will not reciprocate in kind.
Love never fails.
God loves you unswervingly. Stand on this promise. Breathe it in and exhale it out on him.
Can I get an amen?
God generously and graciously gifted me with renewed levels of love in action toward my man and in all my relationships. How can you bring your best to every relationship?
Leave me a comment and share your intentions to love well.
Prayer: Lord, you are LOVE. Thank you for revealing complacency and calling me into deeper relationship with you and with your people. God you are so good to us. You never leave us and always lead us. In Jesus Name, amen.
This is us. 2022
* This post is not intended to put you or keep you in danger. If you are not safe, get out now!
Hi Robyn Thank you for this. In my head I have not loved my husband because of many disappointments etc. we’ve had a a lot of great moments and he is a believer but it’s been a challenging marriage. He lives out of it flesh but struggles with trying to stay busy because of his ADHD. I need to take this prayer to heart and pray for him. We’ve been married 14 yrs.
Bless you Robyn.
Hi Kristin, I glad this hit home. When I focus on being the best wife instead of trying to make HIM into a better husband, it’s much better for us.
This is so good. Ger and I will hit 52 years the day after Christmas. All the nuances of I Cor 13 are spot on. Thanks for sharing.
Roxy, 52 years?!? Awesome! Thanks for your encouragement.
I live this. So great.
Thanks Danielle. Glad it hit the spot.
Powerful, Robyn. Thank you. I will keep and re-read this one.
Thank you for posting, Amy. I appreciate you.
Wow
What a wonderful blog.
Such great nuggets to love better.
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Congrats to you both on your anniverary! Great words to live by that you have shared. May God continue to bless your life together.
Thank you Vicki, I receive that.
Needed to hear this today. My husband will be having a minor surgery in a few weeks. I’ve had 13+ back surgeries and he has always stood by me with patience and grace. I’m praying I can do the same. I am not a patient person nor am I particularly compassionate with my own family. I was an ICU nurse for 30 years. It changes you. I pray that my jaded hardened heart will melt and God will give me the love and compassion to care for my husband and understand what he will be going through. This meditation will be tucked away and reread as needed. Thank you for sharing.
Evelyn, you made my day.
Thank you for posting and I pray in agreement for you to be tender and loving toward your man and an excellent outcome regarding his surgery.
Beautifully done, Robyn. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you, Yvonne. That means a lot.
This was incredible. My wish is for every married woman is that she REALLY sees her husband; appreciates, approves, and admires him. Your words fall right in line to keeping the three “A’s” alive!!! God bless you and your husband Robyn 🙂
So very timely! Thank you so much for your obedience. You have no idea how much I needed to hear this today.
What a wonderful presentation of the love chapter! It is convicting. God gives us those we love. He surely wants us to love them. Love requires us to evaluate where we are and what God wants us to hone. Thank you!
So so good. I’m not sure if I should laugh or cry ?. God has blessed me with two wonderful loving godly husbands. You help me appreciate them for the men they were and are. Thank you for the perspective and encouragement. So hoping to see you again.
Love this so much and congrats!! You are a joy and so happy for you and Mr. Forever!
We have a wonderful marriage at 80 and 89, but only 45 month-a-versary, as we
learned much with our other spouses now in Heaven…So blessed beyond measure!
Will share on FB and give you credit and thanks!! III John 2 Love you from Jan
at Word of Life FL RV Park
Thank you Robyn, it really makes things clear.
You’re very welcome. Glad I could help.
Robyn,
You know everyone says that God speaks to us in different ways I just wanted to say that I believe God is speaking to me in the scriptures that you left. I try hard to not say stuff to my husband and let him finish and not be grumpy ect and these words just hit home. Thank you so much for given me these words of encouragement.
Carrie
Hi Carrie,
Thanks for your post. I appreciate your encouragement. Congratulations on being on track with your words in marriage.
Your 1 Corinthians 13 prayer has become my prayer. I am seeking a better relationship with my hubby of 54 years and this hits the “nail on the head”! Thank you for timely Living Words of Truth and Life.
God’s Blessings on you and your marriage, Linda
Wow, that’s wonderful, Linda. thanks for posting.
Well done Robyn! Thanks for sharing! We used those verses 51 years ago: Good reminder. LOVE the wedding photo of you and Dave!! You look like a child. You both look delighted. Sweet!
Jeanie
Thank you JC. Always great to hear from you.