Love is Not Self-Seeking

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13
Focus Verse: "Love is patient and kind. Love does not envy.  It is not boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Marriage love works best when it is a love learned from God.  In our scripture today, we learn that love is not taking too much thought about ourselves, but more for the the other person.  Love is not self-seeking but it is looking out for the interests of our spouse.  We decide that the welfare of another is more important than our own.  Sometimes we can love easily, but other times it takes a sacrifice. 

Maybe our spouse needs more than we think we can give.  That is when we need to focus more on the Lord and find wisdom in these scriptures.  God understands that in giving, with patience, kindness and hope to our spouse, we are actually giving to ourselves as well.  The Bible says that in marriage, the two shall become one.  If we are indeed "one", then in loving the spouse, I am loving myself as well! 

Loving God's way will bring success and joy.
~Page Johnson
Interlocking Ministries