Isn’t new love fun?
New love has the thrill of learning about someone. Thoughts tend to be upbeat and joyful.
Then the newness fades infatuation turns into infuriation.
The enduring quirks fade into annoying habits.
The mind goes from always wanting to know more about a loved one to I can’t deal with another day.
The mind replays the annoyance.
Love is sometimes hard.
I am so glad Jesus’ infatuation with me has never changed. The newness has never worn off. My annoying habits are dealt with kindness and patience not conquered through argumentative battles.
1 Corinthians 13:4 is often read at wedding:
” Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. “
While all of the above are so important in a healthy relationship, I know for me it starts in my mind.
Love is a choice.
God commanded us to dwell on excellence.
Philippians 4: 8-9
“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable–if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise–dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. “
Frustrations mount when I dwell on the negative instead of searching for excellence.
The last perfect human that walked the earth was crucified.
I want grace from others. I am not perfect. My annoying habits are just as much as a rub for others as the habits I find difficult. Grace extends from the mind.
Love starts from a decision to extend grace, walk humbly, and believe with concentrated focus on the lovely excellence of another. When we extend grace we gain peace. Negativity generates chaos. Dwelling on the positive produces optimism with peace.
Prayer for today:
Please Lord let me remember how much grace, patience, and love you have given me. Please equip me to do the same for all of your children. My partner, child, co-worker, and boss are all yours. Let me dwell in the positive attributes and not look for the negatives. I want to love like you. In Jesus name, Amen.
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