What was the first thing that came to mind when you read the blog title? I know many of us can finish this sentence instantly; however, do we actually practice what love is?
I know I had to check myself recently because I was getting really upset with my husband for something really simple and could be fixed with a conversation. I had to laugh to myself because when I hear the statement Love is…I always answer patient. I wasn’t being patient that day.
So I thought it would be great to address the topic: Love is…
So just what is Love?
We can find the answer in the Bible all spelled out for us. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV) – Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
Love is PATIENT
Patient is defined as able to persevere calmly, especially when faced with difficulties. I know I know I stepped on a few toes with that definition. Read it again!
So basically Love is able to persevere calmly, especially when faced with difficulties. How many of us have truly being showing [Patient] Love?
When we are faced with adversities, we are prone to get riled up, heated, and agitated especially when we are dealing with hiccups with our spouse.
To be in line with what God has defined Love is, we need to prayerfully and consciously practice patience when dealing with our spouse. This could be as simple as waiting to talk about touchy subjects or allowing our spouse to go with their plan even if we think the plan is not the best one.
By incorporating patience into our lives and marriage, we will experience peace in our homes & will build on the intimacy between you and your spouse.
Love is KIND
Kind, Kind, Kind…you probably thinking I am very kind to my spouse, but are you really? Being kind to your spouse means there is no negativity words or actions from you to them; being kind means that you are aware of your spouse needs and anticipate them before they do.
We should always show compassion and passion toward our spouse. In order to do this, kindness must be an attribute we display daily.
Love does not ENVY, BOAST and is not PROUD
You are not your spouse competitor and your spouse is not your competitor. Don’t allow every word that comes out your mouth be uplifting for you but browbeating your spouse.
In everything you do, praise your spouse.
Love does not dishonor others
This goes hand and hand with Love does not Envy, boast & is not proud!
How do you treat your spouse when you are around others? Be mindful of your tone and the words you use toward your spouse. Don’t disgrace them in public or private. What you may think of as a joke, could be misconstrued as you humiliating your spouse. Never allow your actions or appearance dishonor your spouse.
You are a representative of your spouse, so make sure your actions would reflect honorable toward your spouse.
Love is not self-seeking
Are you “it is my way or the highway” type of person? How would you feel if your spouse had that same it’s my way or no way type of attitude? You wouldn’t appreciate it at all.
We must be mindful not to be so rigid. There is always more than one way to get to the final destination. Just because your spouse put the tissue on the roll with the paper coming under the roll doesn’t mean the tissue is unusable.
Always remember its best to meet in the middle of the road alongside your spouse than to be on the road all alone!
Love is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs
In marriage, we are prone to upset our spouse or do something they do not like; however, when we apologize and the apology is accepted, that should be the end of it.
In spite of forgiving, do you keep a mental note of the things your spouse has done to you? You ramble off your spouse wrongdoings when you get mad and they are punished again and again for those actions.
If you are rehashing old stuff, you are not displaying love to your spouse. One way to rid yourself of anger and to truly free yourself and your spouse from their past indiscretions is to do an Internal Marriage Cleanse. This cleanse will give you an opportunity to finally address the issues that anger you and allow you and your spouse to move on building/rebuilding your solid foundation.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
There are no winners in arguments or in trying to get even. Don’t allow the devil to blow a small hiccup with your spouse into a natural disaster instead stop, breath, and pray.
Guard your mouth and your actions don’t allow your emotions to dictate your next moves. Don’t be so quick to think that it’s best to have the last word or the last hurtful actions.
Approach our spouse with love and compassion. Be the first to stop the exchange of heated words and tell your spouse that you all should pray and ask for guidance and understanding to deal with the issue at hand.
Calm down and approach later with a calmer spirit.
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
ALWAYS! What a strong word. If you remember that the love you have for your spouse ALWAYS protects, ALWAYS trusts, ALWAYS hopes, and ALWAYS perseveres then your actions will ALWAYS align to benefit your spouse and your marriage.
In all things, remember to think about your spouse. Remove any selfish thoughts and replace them with concern and consideration for your spouse.
We can show the love that is spoken about in the Bible by making conscience efforts to but our spouse needs before ours.
Regular date nights or quality time will help us in showing love, growing in love, and appreciating love from our spouse. So you get to dating (you knew I would say that, LOL)
Love never fails.
Share your Love is…experiences with me in the comment section. Please share this post with others that can benefit from reading it. You can use the share buttons below…Thanks!
kat j says
I pray everyday for this kind of love in my life. A partner to love as God intended. I wish those that have this realize what a gift it is and I am happy for them
melissa says
What a a perfect post! I agree with it all. Love is what gets me through each day!
Ellen Christian says
Patient is really important and definitely one I struggle with.
Jennifer says
being kind is a good motto for any relationship
Jacquie, Family Makeover Maven says
Great reminders!
Kristen Jeffery says
Awesome reminders!
Making Our Life Matter says
Love is my hubby who will do anything for me, including going to the grocery store for “feminine hygiene” products because I am on death’s door.
Susanne Drazic says
Stopping by to check out your blog and say hello. I found your blog on the April A to Z Challenge list. I’m also participating in the challenge. I look forward to seeing what you blog about in April.
Susanne
PUTTING WORDS DOWN ON PAPER
Still Dating My Spouse says
Thanks Susanne! I am really looking forward to the A to Z Challenge. Thanks for stopping by but don’t be a stranger stop by again…
Pamela
Still Dating My Spouse says
Awww he gets the best hubby of the year award for that LOL
Thanks for stopping by…
Pamela
Still Dating My Spouse says
Ellen,
But knowing your weakness is half the battle. So stay prayerful and conscious of your efforts and patience will come easy to you soon! Thanks for stopping by and please stop by again.
Pamela
Still Dating My Spouse says
Kat,
Just know that God hears all prayers and when its your time he will send you exactly what you need. Thanks for visiting and please visit again.
Pamela
Lisa says
Tks for the reminder of these verses. It’s so easy to take out my frustrations on my husband and he doesn’t deserve it! I should learn to laugh when I’m angry and diffuse myself!!!! Tks!
Still Dating My Spouse says
Lisa,
Its easy to lash out at those closet to us. We have to be conscience of our interactions when we are angry in order not to hurt our spouse by our words and angry actions. It takes practice but it is doable.
Thanks for stopping by and please feel free to subscribe.
Pamela
Trying Hard says
I can say with all certainty that we are good at all of these, except I’m not good at Trust. HOW do you learn to trust again after being screwed over big time by an ex spouse? I find myself wondering if he’s gonna do the same things my ex used to do and I’m always looking for threats in the form of other women and never give him the benefit of the doubt… I know it’s stupid but I still do it and it’s hurting us 🙁 I really really need some help with this one!! I love him so much and I want us to be happy! This is honestly our only issue, otherwise we are perfect!
Still Dating My Spouse says
First and foremost, don’t make your current husband pay the price for the actions of your ex. I am working on a collaboration post just on the subject of trust.
I hope you would subscribe to my blog in order to get an email alert.
Thanks,
Pamela