Love

I want to continue to use the 1 Corinthians 13 definition of love as the basis for a self inventory. So, picking up where I left off yesterday:

Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
I had to think about pray about this one. I even looked it up in a couple of other translations paraphrases to see if it hit me differently because my initial reaction is that I hate for anyone to grovel, both NIV and Living translations put these two parts together - not liking groveling and be pleased in the truth. NKJ puts it this way: does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. I don't like groveling and do I love the truth; or do I? Do I like it when those I love speak the icky truths about me? Would I rather see them feel bad and apologize then say bad about me? If I'm really honest with myself I know that there are times when I don't want to hear bad about me, even if it is true; it's so painful.

Puts up with anything,
Gee isn't this so contrary to what our culture teaches! In my later teen and college years I heard everywhere, and to some degree was influenced by, the whole idea that as a woman I should not have to put up with men's crud. Amusingly here I am with a husband and 3 sons; 4 males in my life. Because they are human, there's a bunch of stuff that, being in relationship with them, I end up dealing with. But sometimes I still do get attitude - like, I don't have to put up with this stuff! But boy am I grateful that they put up with mine! And more grateful that God puts up with me, He doesn't give up on me and say - enough!

Trusts God always,
Interesting, to really love those in my life I must always trust God. That He is in Control and that He is working in those I love's lives, even when I do not see it. My trust should not be in if my loved ones are "good enough" but in that God is all powerful and trustworthy and He has put us in each others' lives. I fail here frequently; especially in my relationship with my husband. I need to constantly remember this and not stray from it - this is where my focus NEEDS to be.

Always looks for the best,
This is one where I definitely fail. So often I'm looking at the faults of those I love instead of looking for the best.

Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end
Too often I've looked at how people have messed up and hold it against them; look back at that instead of looking forward and keeping working on the relationship.

Love never dies.
God does keep the flame of love for my husband alive in me. But I can do more to fan the flames embers so that it blazes daily. Looking for the best in each of them is one way to do that.

Oh Father I'm still here aware of my short comings. I thank You that Your word gives me a standard and shows me what love is. Thank You that You love me. Please help me in my many weaknesses. Help me be willing to hear the truth about myself from those I love and to have a gracious and open attitude when they are telling me negative things about myself. Help me to live daily with an awareness of all You continually put up with from me and help me extend that same grace attitude toward those in my life. Oh Lord, help me keep my focus where it belongs, on You. May I trust in You and always keep at the forefront of my mind. Help me remain committed to always looking for the best in my husband and sons. Please Holy Spirit enable me to do this daily and be a source of encouragement to them. Father empower me to be able to not look back and be a past bringer upper but to look forward and encourage those I love. Thank You Father. Please work Your love in me so that those I love can see You in me.