Stop In the Name of Love

As my current relationship has progressed from courtship to engagement it has been a constant learning experience for me. To achieve this level of harmony and commitment with another person I have found it necessary to put my flesh in submission daily or in other words, keep a tight grip on my emotions.

This means I understand that I may not always have my way, however if I exercise some trust and faith in the God who sent this man to me, I find that I ultimately receive all the love and support that I need.

When emotions are allowed to have full reign in a relationship, they can wreak total havoc and destruction. Our actions should always be spirit-led so that they are full of love and grace. This does not mean that we ignore our feelings but that we submit those feelings along with our thoughts to God in prayer.

It is hard to erase the memory of what is said in the heat of the moment. If you are angry, it is often better to hold your tongue and wait until you can deal with the situation more gracefully. Your self control demonstrates the love and respect that you have for the other person and your relationship will be stronger because of it.

Stop and consider what would Love do? Measure your thoughts and actions against 1 Corinthians 13 to determine if that is the best way to handle the situation rather than act upon the first feeling. This can be applied to any relationship whether romantic, friendly, business or otherwise.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (New International Version)

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.