In our last blog, we discussed God’s concept of love that transcends the human experience into the spiritual realm. A lasting love that models Christ’s love for His people (the Church) and shows the world what love really is. We covered the first two biblical keys to lasting love. You can review that blog here:
Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 1
Today we will discuss the next three biblical keys.
BE FAITHFUL
Most people immediately think this means not cheating on one another, and that certainly is part of it. But not cheating is not enough any more than not worshiping an idol is enough to be faithful to God. Every loving relationship involves promises and commitments to one another. How about those marriage vows, for example? Are you being faithful to those?
The following scripture passage is a harsh rebuke to those who are unfaithful in their marriage commitment. It even explains why God may not be pleased with us or answer our prayers. I understand that this seems radical in an age of non-commitment, but God and His Word are all about commitment. The idea of covenant relationship flows through every page of scripture. Even the divisions of the Bible speak volumes, The Old Testament (Covenant) and the New Testament (Covenant).
A close study of the following in its original language reveals that even offending your spouse can be cause for God’s displeasure.
“Here is another thing you do. You cover the LORD’s altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings and doesn’t accept them with pleasure. You cry out, “Why doesn’t the LORD accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows. Didn’t the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. “For I hate divorce!” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” Malachi 2:13-16 (NLT)
STAY TOGETHER
Another not-so-popular part of the Bible in our modern times – but either we believe it or we don’t. I am only talking to people who are committed to following God with all their heart, so please, no letters from those who don’t believe the Bible or who only want to take the parts they like. I didn’t write it, I’m only conveying the message.
“But for those who are married, I have a command that comes not from me, but from the Lord. A wife must not leave her husband. But if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to him. And the husband must not leave his wife.” 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NLT)
UNDERSTAND AUTHORITY & DEPENDENCE
The following scripture conveys this so well. We are all under God and we are dependent on Him and each other. Lone wolves really won’t thrive alone.
“But among the Lord’s people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women. For although the first woman came from man, every other man was born from a woman, and everything comes from God.” 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 (NLT)
In the next blog, we will cover some more biblical keys to lasting love. Let me know your thoughts!
Blessings!
Rodney