May 14 - 1 Cor 13 - Love rejoices with the truth

Love is patient and kind;

love does not envy or boast;

it is not arrogant or rude.

It does not insist on its own way;

it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing,

but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things,

endures all things.

Love never ends.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

 

LOVE ... REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH

 

Pilate once asked Jesus, “What is truth?”

 

Jesus didn’t answer — at least that day — but he did answer on another day. What is truth? Jesus said, “I am!”

 

Indeed, he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

 

Therefore, when Scripture says that, “Love ... rejoices in the truth,” what is it really saying?

 

When we look at the world through God’s perspective through Jesus Christ, we realize that ...

 

·         the truth is that you are loved and lovable ...

·         therefore, put away your insecurity the truth is that your spouse is loved and lovable ...

·         therefore, see them through God’s eyes and assume the best of them the truth is that you are sinful ...

·         therefore, own your own part of conflicts

·         and remember the truth that forgiveness, though usually hard, IS possible ...

·         therefore, work constantly toward reconciliation and never give up the truth is that this life is temporary ...

·         therefore, make sure your life and marriage keeps investing in God, faith, and eternity …

·         because the truth is that because “God is for us,” hope ultimately outweighs even our greatest trials ...

·         therefore, we should strive to learn how to “give thanks in all circumstances”

 

Whenever our life focuses on God and consequently “rejoices in the truth,”  our love for one another grows.

 

Memorization: You’ve been at this for a while. Before reading it again, just try reciting it. Then read it aloud and then try reciting it again. (Repeat until you’re satisfied.)

 

Question: Is God the center of your life, thoughts, and priorities? How might this increases focus on God renew your joy in marriage?

 

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who knows The Truth

(note 1: The Truth is a person)

(note 2: and he’s not a wrestler)