US AGAINST THE WORLD: Biblical Loveনমুনা

Key Verse: “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.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

Devotional: 

From David: When I think about my love for Tamela, the Scripture that comes to mind is 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. We use these verses as the litmus test to make sure we are loving one another the way God wants us to love.

Marriage is a commitment to love your spouse for a lifetime. There are no vacation days, summers off, weekend visits, or refunds. When I said “I do”, I committed to being there in every situation and season. Honestly, love doesn’t usually show up in those first few weeks or months when everybody is on their best behavior. People talk about love at first sight, but love doesn’t come easily or fast. Love is a habit that we learn and grow into. Loving someone is about sacrifice and selflessness. True love will still be there after hair starts falling out or when the extra weight starts packing on. True love can survive the test of time because it is about seeing, serving, and choosing to uplift your spouse. Real love shines brightest when the lights are off.

These verses introduce fourteen characteristics of love. When I say, “I love you, Tam,” that means I am willing to demonstrate all fourteen of these characteristics to my wife. To me, this is what godly love looks like. 

Taken from Us Against the World by David and Tamela Mann. Copyright © 2018 by David Mann and Tamela Mann. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com.