1 of 1

Love as a ticklish, cushy feeling is vastly overrated. It feels good when you're falling into it—but by the time you've gotten through a wedding and honeymoon, it may have been replaced by, "Who's going to make the coffee this morning?" and, "No, you can't take the paper to work with you; I want to read it, too." Even so, twinkle-eyed couples in their eighties testify that they still get those "I love you" feelings.

Tucked between two chapters on spiritual gifts in the church is a description of real love. Paul interrupted himself with the words, "Earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way" (12:31). Then he explained how love is more than a feeling; he spoke of what love does and doesn't do, what it endures, how it lasts.

If you want the best definition of love in the world, study this poem (13:4-7). In today's world, some people seem incapable of receiving love; others have trouble giving it. Still others have a history that says, I love for a while, then I move on. (If you're currently dating, a few inquiries about his family relationships and friendships will give you clues about the staying power of his love.) Meanwhile, cultivate your own ability to love as you relate to your own friends and family members.

No one is able to love this way all the time, but it's a great goal. If you find a man who seems capable of this kind of love, you may be looking at a potential husband. Only time will tell. (See also Genesis 24; Song of Solomon 1; Ephesians 5:21-33.)

[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:7, 8

If you're considering a certain person as potential husband material, evaluate him against 1 Corinthians 13.

Copyright 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

 1 of 1