It is the height of irony that the greatest preacher in our modern society is such as miserable failure at the one thing most people desire above all else.
From the silver screen to the mobile device, the entertainment industry churns out movies, specials, video games and documentaries touting their adept understanding on the most precious and mysterious emotion of all – love. People willingly trade their hard-earned disposable income for a few minutes of fantasy about relationships that often far exceeds their own hum-drum existence. Often these same people return home more disillusioned than ever and are reminded that their own love-life falls woefully short of the on-screen thrills.
Interestingly, the overwhelming majority of these media masterpieces are devoted to the search and discovery of a love interest, and seldom explore the difficult and less giddy relationship skills necessary for the happily-ever-after part. Meanwhile the writers, producers and actors are more-often-than-not returning to their own relationship challenges and broken homes.
The Bible doesn’t spend much time illustrating the infatuation stage of love. In fact when it does deal with what we like to call “chemistry,” it usually leads to bad results and a lot of messed up lives. One of the greatest lies perpetrated by the enemy on this culture is to follow the heart. God told us instead to follow Him.
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT)
God has a much better plan for our love-life that lasts longer than ninety minutes of screen-time. His concept of love is one that transcends the human experience into the spiritual realm. It is one that models Christ’s love for His people (the Church) and shows the world what love really is.
Over the next few blogs, we will look at twelve biblical keys to lasting love. Let’s get started!
HONOR
In an age where dishonor, disrespect and course joking is so prevalent, this key alone has the potential to do amazing things in our marriages and friendships. Imagine a relationship where both partners go out of their way to show honor and respect to one another. It may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but the rewards are eternal.
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10 (NLT)
“Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.” Hebrews 13:4 (NLT)
RECOGNIZE GOD’S FAVOR
Sometimes we need to refocus and realize that God has blessed us through our spouse. Although the following verses were written by King Solomon from a man’s perspective, the term wife could just as easily be replaced with husband. God has given us something special and sacred to better understand His love for us. We should treat it and think about it accordingly.
“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 18:22 (NLT)
“House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD.” Proverbs 19:14 (NASB)
In the next blog, we will cover some more biblical keys to lasting love. Let me know your thoughts!
Blessings!
Rodney