Good day dear friends.
We continue our study of successful marriages. Here is our study guide for today:
Tuesday: Read the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians, verses 4-8a. Why do you suppose this passage is read at so many weddings? What sort of checklist could you develop from this passage that would bless your marriage or the marriage of someone you know?
Here is that text:
1 Corinthians 4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.
The Bible contains many references to love and this is the one that has a foundational checklist for all relationships. The writer is Paul and he is stressing his need to love God and God's people and for his readers to love in the same way. This passage came after a lengthy discourse on spiritual gifts and the way speaking in tongues had threatened to divide the early church and so Paul stresses that of all the gifts one could have and use for the glory of God, none matched the gift of love, and the importance to love one another as taught by Jesus.
However, in a marriage relationship these verses do serve a purpose. It shows how love works at getting along: One should posses Patience, kindness, support, humility, generosity, thoughtfulness, compassion, honesty, strength, forebearance, trust, hope and commitment. Could there be a better checklist?
PRAYER: God of love, speak lovingly to me today. Help the words of this verse speak new life to me and to with whom I am in relationship. Let me share the glory of Your love in my life. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
