This past weekend, we celebrated our first wedding anniversary. It’s so amazing to think that it’s been a whole year already!
It seemed appropriate that this past week’s chapter in the Bible Study I just finished should be on love being an attribute of the transformed heart. In the chapter, all the qualities of love in 1 Cor. 13:4-7 were listed and, next to each, I was asked to list a circumstance in my life where I had not been loving in that particular way. For example, I was to think of a time when I should have been patient, kind, forbearing, etc. and wasn’t. Then I was to list what I should have done or will plan to do in the future. Wow – what a list to go through to find out the areas that I need to work on in my life!
It was interesting as I went through that list how many of the times that I failed to love were related to my husband. I could see pretty clearly how I need to grow in being kind to him, in not thinking evil of him, in not seeking my own way but his… my list could go on and on. And I thought about the past year of marriage and how God has used it so much in my life to show me the areas I need to grow in.
I knew, before I was married, that I had sin problems, yes. But I have seen so much more how unloving I am – how I need to grow in kindness, in patience, in putting another above myself – now that there is someone who is always in my life who I am to love. And to love at all times, no excuses.
So, among many other reasons, I am thankful to the Lord for bringing Tim into my life. Through my husband, God gives me opportunities to “pursue love” and die to myself each day! I don’t need to search for opportunities for He who is completing His work in me is faithful.
“Pursue love…” (1 Cor. 14:1)
“He who called you is faithful, who will also do it.” (1 Thess. 5:24)
