5 Steps to Loving Someone You Don't Really Like
“Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn’t jealous. It doesn’t sing its own praises. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. It isn’t irritable. It doesn’t keep track of wrongs. It isn’t happy when injustice is done, but it is happy with the truth. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, and never gives up.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
After 20 years of marriage, I love my husband more today than I did the day we said I do. The love we share grew over time; through hardships, disappointments and moments of intense fellowship. My love for my husband is not based on what he did right and neither is his love for me. Our vows were not based upon a feeling because our feelings change daily. Over the years, I have found that love therefore, is a choice.
Love is the foundation for all healthy relationships. The love I am referring to is agape love. Agape is wholly selfless, spiritual, and unconditional. That is the way God loves us. Regardless to how we treat him, His love never changes.
Our relationships should not be based upon the love stories that bombard our television screens, the romance novels we read, or how good we make each other feel. Instead, our love for each other should be based solely upon the word of God. He teaches us how to love through His endless love for us. His love never fails. Love is demonstrated in our actions. An excellent example is John 3:16,“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
True love begins when we sow love, instead of waiting for it to be given. Begin today, by placing your mate’s needs above your own and allowing the Lord to fill your heart with His selfless love.
Father thank you for the love you have shown towards us; may we learn to express that love in our everyday relationships. In Jesus name, amen.
Take Action
If you have been struggling in your relationships The Love Dare by Alex and Stephen Kendrick is an excellent aid that teaches you how to put love into action.