Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Fervent Love



And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

There are a lot of valentine’s cards being exchanged today.  Undoubtedly, some will be exchanged in the middle of an argument, in the middle of hard feelings and anger.  When that happens you’re faced with a decision.  Do you want to hold on to your anger, or express and accept love? 

Go ahead.  Give grace.  Accept love.  You’re not so perfect yourself!

If you want to live a life based on love, without grumbling and frustration, you have to forgive every situation that presents itself to frustrate or anger you.  Forgive it.  Don’t roll it under the emotional rug, and try to forget it.  FORGIVE IT. 

Toothpaste cap left off?  Coffee stains on the rug?  TV turned up too loud?  Dishes left in the sink?  Whatever frustrations you have with your spouse can easily become a wall between you if you don’t let go of it.  Love allows you to let go of the frustrations and anger before they build up.  There is no more powerful emotion for the human heart than love. 

When those moments arise and you want to retain your anger, or worse, express it loudly, remember your own idiosyncrasies and mistakes.  Remember when you burnt dinner and smoked up the entire house?  Remember leaving out the milk?  How about the time you ruined their favorite shirt?  Remember that you have been forgiven by the same person you wish to be angry at.  Then give as you have been given the forgiveness that you both deserve. 

Life is what you make of it, and so is marriage.  If you choose to continually hold on to anger, you’ll live angry.  If you choose to express love, you’ll live a life filled with love.  So open that Valentine’s Day card, and accept the love.  Move past your frustrations, and realize what a wonderful gift it is to have someone love you, and love them in return. 

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” – 1 Colossians 3:12-15

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