"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes and always remains strong. Love never ends..."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought this was an appropriate verse. I have never been a very big fan of Valentine's Day, and Zack and I even agreed not to spend a penny on each other this year for V-Day. It is still unknown exactly where Valentine's Day originated from. (To read some theories, check out this website.) However, the tradition used to be for simple gifts to be given, such as hand-made cards, notes and flowers. Of course, as the years have passed, it has become a commercialized, overly dramatized holiday. A thoughtful card, letter or poem, such as the one I received from Jessica, is more meaningful to me than anything the stores can produce. God desires us to love and show love to others all year 'round. This verse is His definition of love! It says love is patient and kind. Unfortunately, I am sometimes the least patient and most unkind to my love, saying whatever I think without regard to his feelings. It says love is not rude. I always try to be so kind and polite, minding my p's and q's, around acquaintances and church friends. Then, when I get home, often forget to say please when making a request (or in some cases demands) and thank you for even the little things to the person who means the most to me. It says that love patiently accepts all things. I don't know about you, but when I don't like something about my love, I too often let him know about it and try to change it. I used to be really bad about this, but after a few years of experience and lots of prayer, I am learning to accept all things about my love and ask God to change me instead! Finally, it says that love never ends!! That is such an encouraging verse to cling to! I encourage all of us to show our Valentines how much we love them by practicing the definition that the bible gives us of love- on Valentine's Day and everyday.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought this was an appropriate verse. I have never been a very big fan of Valentine's Day, and Zack and I even agreed not to spend a penny on each other this year for V-Day. It is still unknown exactly where Valentine's Day originated from. (To read some theories, check out this website.) However, the tradition used to be for simple gifts to be given, such as hand-made cards, notes and flowers. Of course, as the years have passed, it has become a commercialized, overly dramatized holiday. A thoughtful card, letter or poem, such as the one I received from Jessica, is more meaningful to me than anything the stores can produce. God desires us to love and show love to others all year 'round. This verse is His definition of love! It says love is patient and kind. Unfortunately, I am sometimes the least patient and most unkind to my love, saying whatever I think without regard to his feelings. It says love is not rude. I always try to be so kind and polite, minding my p's and q's, around acquaintances and church friends. Then, when I get home, often forget to say please when making a request (or in some cases demands) and thank you for even the little things to the person who means the most to me. It says that love patiently accepts all things. I don't know about you, but when I don't like something about my love, I too often let him know about it and try to change it. I used to be really bad about this, but after a few years of experience and lots of prayer, I am learning to accept all things about my love and ask God to change me instead! Finally, it says that love never ends!! That is such an encouraging verse to cling to! I encourage all of us to show our Valentines how much we love them by practicing the definition that the bible gives us of love- on Valentine's Day and everyday.
16 comments:
Another great reminder! I too am guilty of being impatient with Justin and often saying unkind things, without thinking about it until it is too late! I am really trying to work on this and this verse is such a great help!! Thanks Amy!!!
It is so nice to meet you! I have def checked out your blog before and was glad to here from you today!!!!
Thanks for your comment, Amy! I was a kindergarten teacher also! I'm blessed to be able to stay home, now.
I loved this post! What a great verse to share from our #1 Valentine!! Thanks for your insights on that!! This is something I've been working on for a while now. Especially the part about praying for God to change yourself instead!!
Hi Amy! Nice to meet you :0) I couldn't agree more. My hubby and I usually only do cards and then plan a date for another day. I think Valentine's Day is to help us remember to take time for each other!
Big Daddy and I were just discussing that with our children the other day, who were speaking to one another with attitude and raised voices-over silly things. We said, "Would you speak to your friends like that? Or a stranger?" Give your loved ones the same respect. I admitted to them and apologized for also being guilty of flying off the handle. So true.
I hope you have a happy V day. I get the best thing of all-just some down right lovin' from all that love you.
I came onto your blog through Destiny's. I loved your comments on Valentines Day. My husband and I do not do much on Valentines Day either. He has gotten me pajamas in the past and a card and he may do the same for me this year. But overall, we feel V-Day is very commercialized and we can't see spending money on some of crazy things you see at the stores. Your comments were right on.
Thanks for stopping by my blog! Come back anytime. You have a lovely family, and your blog is great to read!
Great post, Amy. And a great reminder for tomorrow and everyday! It's even more important when you have little ones that listen and watch everything you say and do. They pick up everything whether good or bad! God gives us a great guideline for love in His Word. And wow, what love He showed to us by dying on the cross for us!!
God's word is a great place to see the finest examples of love and what it really means. I always think of Stormie Omartian's books when I hear that verse. It reminds me of our bible study two years ago we did together! : )
Thanks for the reminder, Amy! I love this verse. I actually have a storyboard with my kid's pictures and this verse. :) Love it!!
I put that verse on my V-Day cards I made (which I am putting up on the blog tomorrow!) It's a great verse!
You have hit the nail on the head! In my college sorority, we had to memorize the the whole chapter of 1 Cor. 13 as part of our induction. I'm so thankful I know that passage. It is the ultimate example of a good marriage.
I love meeting new blog friends! THanks for commenting!
Great Post!!! I needed to hear this!
My hubby always reminds me that it is about the love displayed year long and to not put so much emphasis on just one over commercialized day. However, I just love any holiday to get into so of course I'm all about it. But I think you make a great point to remember the truest form of love-God's love.
Very well said Amy! I do agree that Valentine's Day is way too over comercialized. Drew & I don't do anything but cards & we cook dinner after we put the kids to bed. I love that verse too. Thanks for such a positive reminder.
I love your Word on Wednesday posts! They are always so encouraging and inspiring. Jared and I don't do much for Valentine's day either. It's just not a big deal to me. I love this verse. I love it b/c it is what love is suppose to be and b/c it is a great reminder of how our Savior loves us.
GREAT POST!!!! I do agree with the words you say!!! I don't think you need Valentine's (ONE DAY A YEAR) to show someone how much they mean to you!!!! You should show it allllllllll year long....I say that alllllllllll the time!!!!!! =)
Post a Comment