Without doubt, though it seems cliche, love is the greatest of all things! God’s word clearly explains this in the love chapter, I Corinthians 13.
I Corinthians 13:4 – Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
I Corinthians 13:13 – And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
My husband’s grandmother cross-stitched a portion of I Corinthians 13 for us for our wedding. It was printed in our wedding book as well.
But, love is hard
This whole chapter holds so many excellent things for us to grab onto! Sometimes life gets in the way though and my husband and I are anything but loving to one another.
Christ’s Holy Spirit lives in us prompting us to good works and kind words. Unfortunately, there also abides within the flesh an ugliness that can rise up creating chaos and conflict.
Someone cuts you off on the way to work. Your kid requests help with a project at 10:00 pm that is due the next day. Your husband forgot to pick up milk like you asked.
These are not mountains of despair and anxiety which we should die on, but boy do we wage war over them!
Reap what you sow. Sow what you want to reap!
BUT…best word in the Bible I think! But…the greatest of these is love. Don’t give up yet!
Love demands better things
Because of love and the promises God makes us in His word, we know there is a better way.
When I feel myself not being loving to my husband I try to step back and look at the real reason why. Is it really what he has done or is it a day where I have had a series of unfortunate events that are now at the boiling point?
Meaning watch out honey – here comes the wrath of Ammie!
When I reflect and give myself a moment before reacting I’m able to put things in perspective. I am able to act in love to my husband then.
Which is awesome because the more I love him with kind words and actions, guess what? The more loving kindness he shows me in return.
Love begets love
So when you feel you just cannot take your hubby leaving the toilet seat up One. More. Time. ‘Sigh’. Just breathe, know you are not alone.
While there are sometimes circumstances that truly make me doubt the faith and hope promised in these verses, most of the time it is the little things I let upset my day.
Turning to this scripture hidden in my heart helps put things in perspective. When you feel about to boil over, count if you must. Take a time out. BUT, says that LOVE can win in any situation.
