Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. Gifts were given. Some carefully planned and thoughtful, others, not so much. The flowers are in their vases, the chocolate has been enjoyed, the calendar has a new date. But the most important question still remains. How is your relationship? Did last night help to make it stronger? Do doubts still remain? Did the new morning bring new worries?
The answers to these questions are found in the relationship that matters most – your relationship with God. Knowing and loving God gives significance to all other relationships. This morning after one thing is certain above all others, God has not changed. He is constant. This means the content of love does not change.
If you gauge the success of your relationship by how things went last night a rough road lies ahead. Each day will be one of uncertainty and trying to get everything right.
But if your relationship is based on the faithfulness of God’s love for you then you have hope for the days ahead. God is the one who defines love, not what did or did not happen on Valentine’s Day or any other day. Your love for your husband or wife cannot be grounded in their performance. Your love for each other must be grounded in the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave up his life for those whom he loved. You must do the same.
Focusing on Christ’s love will bring stability and security to your relationship. Last night proved that romance is not enough. Why? You might say last night was wonderful. That may be true. But the reality is that one day, one night cannot sustain love. Christ’s love for you does not waver based on how things went yesterday. If you have a bad day today, his love does not change. If your spouse has a bad day today, his love does not change.
Give the gift of Christ’s love to those you love most, especially to your spouse. It is Christ’s love that fuels enduring romance. Christ’s love looks like this:
Love anticipates God will always care.
Love offers encouragement when none is expected.
Love does not regret the success of your spouse.
Love does not announce your own success.
Love takes refuge in humility.
Love seeks the honor of your spouse.
Love is not interested in self-promotion.
Love knows joy before it knows anger.
Love does not keep score.
Love is thrilled when the truth is known.
Love guards your spouse even when it hurts.
Love accepts care from your spouse.
How is your relationship this morning?
One thought on “The Morning After – How’s Your Relationship?”
Thanks for this! I had similar reflections this morning, and appreciate your perspective. Last night inspired me to write this post about ‘when love looks like toilet paper,’ on what Christ’s sacrificial love looks like in marriage .. http://reflectiontherapy.wordpress.com/2014/02/15/when-love-looks-like-toilet-paper/ Blessings to you ..