LOVE

We use this word so often, but true love—biblical love—is far deeper than just a feeling. It’s an action, a choice, and a commitment. When the foundation of love is rooted in the Lord, it transforms how we approach our relationships.

We strive to love like Jesus does, but because of sin, we can never fully accomplish this. That’s why grace is so important. His love sets the example, and His grace carries us when we fall short.

Since it's love day, I’ve been studying what the Word says about love, specifically in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. These verses apply to all relationships—friendships, dating, marriage, and most importantly, our walk with Christ.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Love is Patient

• In Friendships: True friendship isn’t always easy. Friends will let us down, plans won’t always align, and seasons of life will change. Patience allows us to give others grace, trusting that God is growing both us and them.

• In Dating: Waiting on God’s timing for the right person (or the right season for marriage) requires patience. Rushing into something without God’s leading can cause unnecessary pain.

• In Marriage: We won’t always be on the same page as our spouse. Patience means listening, understanding, and giving them the space to grow in God’s timing—not ours.

• With God: Sometimes, God’s answers take time. Patience means trusting His plan even when we don’t see the full picture.

2. Love is Kind

• In Friendships: Kindness means showing up, checking in, and being an encourager rather than a critic.

• In Dating: Look for a partner who demonstrates kindness—not just in words but in actions. How they treat others (waiters, family, strangers) says a lot about their heart.

• In Marriage: Daily acts of kindness—whether it’s a simple "thank you" or going out of your way to serve—build a strong, loving foundation.

• With God: God's kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). When we experience His kindness, we are called to extend it to others.

3. Love Does Not Envy or Boast

• In Friendships: Jealousy can creep in when we compare ourselves to others. Instead of envying a friend’s success, celebrate with them.

• In Dating: Avoid relationships built on competition. If you find yourself constantly trying to “one-up” your partner, it’s a sign of pride, not love.

• In Marriage: Pride destroys intimacy. A marriage centered on humility allows both people to feel valued, safe, and respected.

• With God: We have nothing to boast about except Christ (Galatians 6:14). When we recognize that all we have is from Him, humility follows.

4. Love Does Not Insist on Its Own Way

• In Friendships: Healthy friendships involve compromise. Love means listening, considering others' feelings, and not always needing to be right.

• In Dating: A godly relationship isn’t about control—it’s about serving one another. If one person always insists on their way, that’s a red flag.

• In Marriage: Selfishness can quickly create division. Marriage requires daily selflessness—putting your spouse’s needs before your own, just as Christ did for the church.

• With God: Surrendering to God’s will instead of insisting on our own way is the key to peace. His way is always better than ours.

5. Love is Not Irritable or Resentful

• In Friendships: Holding grudges only builds walls. Love chooses to forgive and move forward rather than dwell on offenses.

• In Dating: If you find yourself constantly annoyed at your partner, ask yourself: Is this a character issue, or am I lacking grace? Irritability often stems from unrealistic expectations.

• In Marriage: Resentment is poison in marriage. Keeping score of past mistakes prevents healing. Love means forgiving—even when it’s hard.

• With God: God never holds resentment toward us; He forgives completely. We are called to extend that same grace to others.

6. Love Does Not Rejoice at Wrongdoing but Rejoices with the Truth

• In Friendships: Real friends hold each other accountable. If someone is making choices that lead them away from Christ, love means speaking truth—not enabling sin.

• In Dating: A relationship built on lies, deception, or justification of sin is not from God. A godly relationship rejoices in truth, even when it’s hard.

• In Marriage: Encouraging your spouse in righteousness rather than in compromise is an act of love. Build each other up in truth.

• With God: Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). Rejoicing in Him means aligning our lives with His Word.

7. Love Bears All Things, Believes All Things, Hopes All Things, Endures All Things

• In Friendships: True friendship isn’t just for the easy seasons—it’s for the storms too. Loving someone means walking with them through the good and the bad.

• In Dating: Love isn’t just about feelings—it’s about commitment. Dating with a godly perspective means being intentional, not just in the exciting moments but in the challenges too.

• In Marriage: Marriage is a covenant, not a contract. It’s not "me vs. you"—it’s us vs. the problem. Love endures through struggles, disappointments, and seasons of waiting.

• With God: God’s love for us is unshakable. He never gives up on us, and we are called to reflect that perseverance in our relationships.

Love, as God defines it, is not based on convenience or feelings. It is a choice—a daily decision to extend grace, humility, and selflessness. Whether in friendships, dating, marriage, or our walk with Christ, we are called to love as Jesus loves.

We will never do it perfectly, but praise God for His unfailing love that teaches us how to love others well.