L-O-V-E

Love is a simple four-letter word that is easily mistaken for something other than what God intended it to be. Emotionally and physically charged individuals often confuse mere romantic feelings for love. While love does evoke great emotion between persons, it is only one aspect of its fullness. Love can be experienced mentally, physically, and emotionally and while all are relevant in marriage, without agape (divine love) those aspects are at risk of becoming worldly. Divine love is benevolent and volitional, and it both desires and acts with the best interest of others in mind.

The Bible describes this type of love between human beings in the book of Corinthians and never alludes to it being nor reducing it to self-seeking desires. Instead, it calls for love to be kind and amongst many other things unselfish. In the interrelations of the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit exude a selfless example that can be followed in marriage as each person freely gives to one another. The Father gives love and authority to the Son. The Son gives honor to and seeks the will of the Father. The Spirit gives glory to both the Son and the Father. None are given to benefit themselves but only for the benefit of the other. Similarly, benevolent love between husband and wife should include their willingness to be freely self-giving, loving, and honoring of one another.