Love may be based on many things - physical attraction, family relationship or mutual enjoyment of each others companionship. However, to be of value, love must go beyond affection or mutual attraction and be governed by what is for the highest good of the loved one.
That kind of love can even call for reproving or discipline, as a parent might do with a child. Feelings and emotions are there, of course, but they are not allowed to overrule wise judgement or right principles in dealing with others.
Here are some of what love means and what love is not:
1. Love is long-suffering and kind. Are you long-suffering with your mate? Even when a situation tends to provoke, and perhaps unfair accusation are made, do you exercise restraint?
2. Love does not approve of wrongdoing, but it is not 'picky'. It is not impatient. It takes into account extenuating circumstances. And even in serious matters, it is ready to forgive.
3. Love is not jealous: It is difficult to live with a mate who is jealous without genuine cause. Such jealousy is suspicious, and overly possessive. It is childish and restrains the other person from being natural and friendly around others. Happiness is in giving freely, not in meeting a jealous demand.
4. Love does not brag or get puffed up: Many people do brag, but very few people like to hear bragging. Infact, it may embarrass anyone who knows the braggart well. While some people brag by talking about themselves in a boastful manner, others accomplish the same thing in another way- they criticise and run down others, and by comparison, this tends to elevate them above their victims. Belittling one's mate is really a way of bragging about oneself.
5. Love does not behave indecently. There are many things that are strikingly indecent such as cheating, drunkenness and fits of anger. All of these cause damage to marriage. Rudeness, vulgar speech and actions as well as neglecting personal cleanliness, all show a lack of decency.
6. Love those not look for its own interests. It is not self-centred. Approaching situations with the best interests of both at heart will help you to say the right things. By fighting down the impulse to continue an argument and prove yourself right, you can gain a victory in favour of love.
7. Love rejoices with the truth: It does not think it clever to deceive one's mate- whether as to the use of one's time, the spending of money, or in one's association. It does not employ half-truths in order to appear righteous. Dishonesty destroys confidence. For there to be genuine love, both of you must rejoice to communicate the truth.
That kind of love can even call for reproving or discipline, as a parent might do with a child. Feelings and emotions are there, of course, but they are not allowed to overrule wise judgement or right principles in dealing with others.
Here are some of what love means and what love is not:
1. Love is long-suffering and kind. Are you long-suffering with your mate? Even when a situation tends to provoke, and perhaps unfair accusation are made, do you exercise restraint?
2. Love does not approve of wrongdoing, but it is not 'picky'. It is not impatient. It takes into account extenuating circumstances. And even in serious matters, it is ready to forgive.
3. Love is not jealous: It is difficult to live with a mate who is jealous without genuine cause. Such jealousy is suspicious, and overly possessive. It is childish and restrains the other person from being natural and friendly around others. Happiness is in giving freely, not in meeting a jealous demand.
4. Love does not brag or get puffed up: Many people do brag, but very few people like to hear bragging. Infact, it may embarrass anyone who knows the braggart well. While some people brag by talking about themselves in a boastful manner, others accomplish the same thing in another way- they criticise and run down others, and by comparison, this tends to elevate them above their victims. Belittling one's mate is really a way of bragging about oneself.
5. Love does not behave indecently. There are many things that are strikingly indecent such as cheating, drunkenness and fits of anger. All of these cause damage to marriage. Rudeness, vulgar speech and actions as well as neglecting personal cleanliness, all show a lack of decency.
6. Love those not look for its own interests. It is not self-centred. Approaching situations with the best interests of both at heart will help you to say the right things. By fighting down the impulse to continue an argument and prove yourself right, you can gain a victory in favour of love.
7. Love rejoices with the truth: It does not think it clever to deceive one's mate- whether as to the use of one's time, the spending of money, or in one's association. It does not employ half-truths in order to appear righteous. Dishonesty destroys confidence. For there to be genuine love, both of you must rejoice to communicate the truth.
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