If I had the ability to say all the right things at the right time, but did not have love for my spouse, I would be just another noise in the sickening din of a love-less society.

If I were so wise as to predict the final outcome of our marriage and that the power to make it all come out right, but did not have love for my spouse, it would all be useless.

If I were to give myself unreservedly to the point of dying for my spouse but did not have real love, there would be no value in it for either of us.

Love of one’s spouse is patient when one is not ready on time; Love is kind when the shoes are left in the living room; Love is not jealous or envious when the other receives special attention; Love does not boast of the better education of family heritage.

Love does not frown on the inferior accomplishments.  Love does not demand to be catered to, does not demand new clothes when the income will not support it.  Love does not make “elbow room”.  Love is not upset when the other forgets a birthday.  Love leaves no room for self pity.  Love forgets and harbors no grudges.  Love is always glad when the other makes the right decisions even if it means having to wait for new living room furniture.

Love remains faithful even when the excitement of marriage wears thin.  Love will keep the “knot” secure and give no occasion to question the late hours at work.  Because of love, each can defend the other and never be let down.

The thrill of excitement of marriage will some day come to an end but love goes on forever.  Now we struggle to make our marriage successful and pleasing to God, but when we shall be perfect in Heaven, all struggles will cease.  When we were teenagers our concept of love was lacking but now that we are more mature, we have put away teenage love and marriage takes on a new meaning.

We still don’t know all there is to know about marriage and how to live the life that is truly pleasing to God.  That is why we must continually consult with Christ.  Now we have a blurred and hazy concept of love and married life, but in heaven we will understand perfectly God’s wonderful plan for us.

There are three wonderful things:  Love, Courtship and Marriage, but the GREATEST of these is LOVE!!

First Corinthians Thirteen for Lovers

      Paraphrased by:  Danny Kroeker