Modeling mature love

I enjoy “falling in love.” I have done it multiple times and thankfully only twice has it led to marriage. Once was to my first wife and the marriage lasted for 40 years until her death. The second is going on now as we take steps toward a fast-approaching marriage. I enjoy the excitement of being “in love.”

That excitable stage of love is not what will make the love endure. For love to last it takes some maturing along the way. The Apostle Paul provided a basic definition of love which involves maturity. 4 “Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, 5 never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. 6 It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. 7 If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)

Do you remember that feeling of frivolity that came with new love? I sure do because I’m enjoying it now. I also remember it with my first wife. Along the way, mature love began to develop. Age and experience helped in its growth. We found love which could endure.

I am glad that God does not love us with that feeling kind of love. He uses mature love which is able to forgive and build a real connection that will last through the ages. It is that kind of love that I want to model for the generation which will be taking my place on this Earth. I want them to know that love can be “fun,” and that it can last. Will you join me in modeling mature love?

Prayer: “Lord, help us to become the models of Godly, mature love. You demonstrate it to us daily as You forgive us for our many sins. You gave Jesus to rescue us because You love us. Thank you. Help us to follow in your footsteps as we “love one another.” Amen.

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