“We love each other because He loved us first.” – 1 John 4:19 (NLT)
A hush spreads across the room as the groom takes his place in anticipation of the bride’s grand entrance. You can feel the energy in the room with a glow on every face as they prepare to celebrate this moment. After the ceremony, you pull the bride and groom aside and ask them, “Why do you love your spouse so much?” With a sparkle in their eyes, I am sure they would beam as they declare all the reasons why they love each other. As time passes and the ceremony and celebration fade below the horizon of the past, the answer to that question would evolve with each chapter. There also may be moments, times and seasons where they may struggle to even come up with a reason why they love each other or possibly even question whether they even love each other at all. Although our culture may want to focus on celebrating young love, reflecting on love over time and how love evolves is essential.
When you reflect on those you love, what comes to mind? Typically, the things that come to mind are attributes of the individual, the way they treat you, or what they do for you. As in many relationships, the characteristic that causes you to love someone is the same thing that could cause you not to love them. An illustration could be your relationship with your church. Suppose the only reason that you love your church is that they have fantastic music. Then as soon as the music loses its luster you end up not liking the church anymore and moving on.
God’s love sets the ultimate standard for earthly relationships. Unlike fleeting earthly love, God’s love is steadfast and unwavering. It doesn’t waver with circumstances but remains a constant anchor, providing a model for our interactions with others.
“God’s love sets the ultimate standard for earthly relationships.”
Tip of the Day
“Reflect on the unwavering love God has for you, realizing that His love remains constant, irrespective of what you bring to the relationship. In your relationships, strive to emulate this unconditional love, anchoring them on the unchanging foundation of God’s boundless and enduring affection.”
Prayer
Father God, in the ever-changing chapters of my relationships, help me anchor my love in Your unwavering and unconditional love. Teach me to love others not for what they bring, but I want to love them patterned after the way that You love me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pause and Reflect
Is my love for others grounded in God’s constant and unconditional love, or is it influenced by temporary emotions or actions?
During relationship difficulties, do I question my reasons for loving someone or maintain a steadfast love rooted in God’s unchanging love for me?
When thinking about my relationships, am I more focused on the initial glowing moments, or am I actively nurturing a love that can withstand changing circumstances?
