1 Cor 13:4 “Love is patient and kind.” at Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Whether you regularly read a bible or not, you’ve probably heard the following scripture said at weddings:
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast;
it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way;
it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
– 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV
My girlfriend Brenna once told me she heard a sermon that suggested substituting the person you’re dating with the word “love” in that passage. Had I heard that years earlier, I think that would have definitely told me that what I thought was love, truly wasn’t what I was receiving. This was such a great suggestion that I wanted to share it with you. Of course this is great for you to reflect upon yourself too, to see if you are truly showing love to your spouse. If you are just dating, be honest to yourself because if you start disregarding the red flags that is a dangerous place and you might not be able to clearly focus on what’s is truly in front of you, which isn’t worth pursuing in the long run.
Let’s try this exercise with an open mind and heart.
______ is patient and kind; ______ does not envy or boast;
______ is not arrogant or rude. ______ does not insist on its own way;
______ is not irritable or resentful;
______ does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
______ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
– 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV
When I travel, I wear this ring Mr. Wonderful insisted on buying me – it was the only size 4 ring that fit my ring finger. I didn’t want to spend the $50 on a sterling silver ring and came home empty handed, but after the Mr. heard it had scripture on it, he went back to the store I mentioned and bought it for me. When I look at it while wearing it I’m reminded that I married a man who truly does love me, in a true biblical way, which is the best way possible and I am so grateful.
Equipment used: Sony NEX-5R (c/o), 50mm f1/.8.
Diana Elizabeth says knowing who you choose to marry is so important and dictates the quality of the rest of your life. Know you are a child of God who deserves someone who can love you unconditionally just as you are – you are special!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
I wish I would have known of the “love”/name substitution long ago. It would have saved me a lot of heartache, that’s for sure.
Like you, my husband truly loves me and I’m so thankful God gave him to me. I’m one lucky gal.
Diana Elizabeth says
I try to think that those heartaches and lessons learned (and of course reading what scripture says) helped me truly recognize what true love is. We certainly are blessed, aren’t we? ;)
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
Absolutely!
krystal says
Never heard of trading “love” for the name of the one you’re with. That’s pretty cool.
The version I’ve heard that I just adore is replacing “love” with YOUR NAME. These verses are what Jesus is and what He is working at molding us into. It is pretty convicting when you put your name in there.
Diana Elizabeth says
I would trade the “love” for the one you’re with when you’re dating, it’s really about being wise and selecting your spouse. When you are married, it’s important to reflect upon yourself and improving yourself, not trying to fix the other person of course – you already know. I tend to write to those who are still dating because I’m passionate about educating women to make the right decision on what is a Godly man to marry and follow. It’s a tough thing to recognize the wolf in sheep’s clothing out there!
krystal says
Oh I definitely like that for when you are dating! I just love the other way to reflect on oneself in relation to loving God and others the way He describes, married or not. I heard the one replacing my name for love before I was married and it was still incredibly impacting!
angel swanson says
So glad that God brought you and your sweet Mr. Wonderful together. ;-) His plan is perfect!!!