Today concludes our series “Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled!” as we look at God’s biblical keys to lasting love. You can review the first three blogs here:
Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 1
Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 2
Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 3
Here are the final four biblical keys.
BEAUTIFY
Although this scripture is aimed at the wives, the guys could do a little clean-up themselves. (We all know about those shorts that should have been thrown out years ago.) Notice that the scripture does not say that outward adornment is not desirable, only that it is less important than the nature of your spirit. It is best to do the later and not forget the former. A little eye-candy does a spouse good.
“Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NASB)
BE UNDERSTANDING
Don’t jump to conclusions without the facts. Don’t assume the worst in your spouse. Don’t make it all about you – there I said it! Give your spouse the benefit of the doubt when things don’t go the way you expect. Give them grace even when they are in the wrong. Aren’t you glad God does that for you?
“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7 (NLT)
BEHAVE
Harmony doesn’t mean that you are both on the same note, it means that your notes complement one another. If you were on the same note, one of you would not be needed. Appreciate and celebrate your differences, they are what make you better as a couple than you ever can be alone.
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NASB)
ENJOY
My favorite of the Hollywood romance movies are the ones they seem to make the least of. I like the ones where the couple has been together for years and are more in love than ever. When they look at the wrinkles in their partner’s face, they don’t see age, they see a lifetime of experiences that they have celebrated – at times tolerated – together.
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NASB)
So there you have it. While these keys are not exhaustive on what the Bible says on the subject of our deep desire to love and be loved, I hope it has provided you with some insights that will improve and enhance your love relationship. Let me know your thoughts!
Blessings!
Rodney