Here's a Definition of Love
for Christian Marriage

The definition of love is still a mystery for many people today. If you were personally asked to define love, what would you say?

Society uses this four letter word with little thought of what it really means. So sadly the word has become cliche'.

For some, the definition of love is sex. For others, the meaning of love is tied to material possessions.

But the truth is, without an understanding of who God is, it is impossible to properly define love.

Did you know that love is NOT an emotion? Neither is it something you fall in and out of.

The Bible says that God is love.
(1 John 4:16) Well, if love is an emotion then that would mean God is a huge mass of emotions that is constantly changing.

Because here on earth, what we call love constantly changes. We fall in love, and we fall out of love.

But God never changes. So therefore, love can't be an emotion.

Love has nothing to do with how you feel. Love is a command given to us by God. Love is a decision that requires unconditional commitment.

The Bible is full of scriptures about love but there's one scripture in 1 Corinthians chapter 13:4-8 that we think gives the perfect definition of love...

What is Love?
Here's a Biblical Definition of Love

1 Corinthian 13:4 NIV
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Do you demonstrate more patience with others than you do with your husband or wife? Hmmm... now that's something to think about.

While you're thinking about that also ask yourself if you are envious of your spouse.

And what about pride? Are you thinking, I don't have a pride problem. Well, we recommend you pray and ask God to reveal it to you.

Pride is something all of us struggle with on some level.

Pride will cause you not to admit your wrong. Pride will even make you believe you are always right. Pride will keep you from apologizing when you have offended. Pride will even make you say, "I'm not prideful."

Verse 5
"it is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs."

In other words, love is not inconsiderate, or always thinking "but if I do that, what am I going to get in return?" That's not God's definition of love.

Furthermore, love is not agitated at the drop of a dime, and it has a short memory when it comes to the sins of your spouse.

That means you're not constantly reminding them of their past offenses.

Verse 6
"Love does not rejoice in evil but rejoices with the truth."

What does that mean? That means you don't do a victory dance when wrong is done to your mate, even if you think they had it coming. Real love does not rejoice in wrong doing, it rejoices in what's right.

Verse 7
"it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

This means love puts up with everything, and still trusts, is hopeful, and enduring.

"Love never fails. But where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."

Everything will someday come to an end. Including the spiritual gifts that God has given to the church. But love will never end.