My Thoughts On Love.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It ALWAYS protects, ALWAYS trusts, ALWAYS hopes, ALWAYS perseveres. [1 Corinthians 13:4-6]

In a sermon I heard a while ago, the pastor referenced 1 Corinthians 13. He said, "Try substituting your name for the word 'love.' Does it work?" When I first heard that, I was floored. I had just gotten out of a relationship and after hearing this, I felt really convicted. I had a desire to change my ways. Change my views on relationships - not only with a girlfriend, but with friends and family as well. Since the summer, I have gone through a lot that has tested my patience, my attitudes, my self-love. And I personally have to say that every time, it has made my desire to change and to love the way that Christ did even greater than before. God is gracious enough to give me these opportunities to redeem myself, to be more like Himself. Even though at times I fail or slip, He's there to pick me up and put me on my feet and tell me to keep going and not look back.

The thing that really hits me hard is the patience factor. Yeah, I want to go jump back into the dating world, but I'm personally not able to substitute my name in for the word 'love.' Yeah I don't like it, but I have to try harder and work at it. It's not going to be easy, but it can be done through the help of God. When and only when He says that I'm ready, then I can jump in, but for now, I have to be patient. I have to be kind. I can't envy, boast, or be proud. I can't be easily angered or selfish. I can't stay mad at someone for hurting me. I have to be rooted in God's Word so much more than I have been. I have to use my time wisely. I have to fully commit to my relationship with God before I can commit to an earthly relationship with someone else. But I do still hope. I still trust. I still persevere.

"It's not so much about finding the right person, it's about being the right person." - Mike Kelsey (8/30/09, 'A Get Together to Tear It Apart' - Frontline Sermon)