We had the privilege of celebrating 65 years of marriage for Pastor Paul and Maritea Deal. It was so refreshing to be a part of that! In our message, we cited the Apostle Paul’s words from:
(1 Corinthians 13:4 – 8a)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails…..
Even though we will never reach perfection as we strive to live these virtues out in our everyday lives, there is Joy in the Journey! And moreover, through the power within us (the Holy Spirit) – we can and will embody more and more the words of Paul. It is also worth noting that this is the way Christ loves His “Bride” the Church (Eph. 5:25 ff).
In the closing of our message, we touched on the most common misunderstanding of love that plagues our culture today. That is, understanding that Love is not a FEELING, Love is a CHOICE! So many times I hear as a pastor, “We don’t love each other anymore …. or, “We’ve fallen out of love.” That cannot happen if we choose to Love.
I think of Carol King’s song, “It’s Too Late” as an example (I know it’s a 70’s song and I’m quoting from memory)). ” … And it’s too late baby now, it’s too late, though we really did try to make it – something inside has died and I can’t hide it I just can’t fake it.” “There will be good times again for me and you, but we just can’t stay together can’t you feel it too … but I’m glad for what we had and how I once loved you.”
If we FEEL our love has faded in our marriages – or worse, has totally “died” CHOOSE to love unconditionally. Put into practice the passage quoted above and do it consistently, every day – then the FEELINGS will follow.