LOVE CHECK UP

Today let's look at your 'love walk' and see if it needs to be fine tuned. It it easy for those dating to continually show love and respect and kindness. Somewhere along the line for some couples there may be a love breakdown. This does not have to happen and should not happen.It also is not God's plan. Self can get on the throne and God off the throne and thus arguments occur.  It is the enemy working to try to tear apart families. If a couple looks to God's word and does what it says that love can grow and grow to become stronger through the years. Understanding, kindness and respect are the keys. 

But what if you are doing what the word of God says but your spouse is not? Basically you have to learn that "a soft answer turns away wrath." Proverbs 15:1 says "A  gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."  Those  just starting out in a relationship have an awesome opportunity. A young couple can start by praying together each day. Not just a "lay me down to sleep prayer" or " bless this food" but sincere prayer together as a couple. Start early listening to God's voice and putting God first. When strife occurs, talk it over, pray and as Barney Fife would say "nip it in the bud".

Let's say you feel anger in your heart. God says to pray for those who have hurt you. That is not enemies idea. Satan wants to keep fueling fire of arguments so recognize that now and do not allow him to cause division. Stay in the Bible, that is the key. Don't let the sun go down on your anger either. Choose to forgive no matter how hard. Find a way to do at least one kind thing for each other daily.Luke 6:38 says "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Ephesians 4:26 says ""In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."

1 Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings and is called the 'love chapter'. Let's take a look at portions of it. Starting with verse 4 it says " love suffers long and is kind, it is not jealous". Verse 5 goes on to say "it is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs". Now that one is hard and takes the power of God to do. Human nature wants to lash back and say "don't you see what they did to me?" God does see and it makes Him sad but He will deal with the offender, just keep praying. Take time to read the entire chapter today. Ask God to give you His love for not only a spouse if married but for those in your life that are not so lovable.

So you get the idea. Love can grow deeper and it should. When you recognize strife stop then and there and pray. Do things to grow love as well. Let's call them acts of kindness. Ideas are flowers, wash dishes, an unexpected gift, a kind word. Above all stay in the Bible and ask God to help you walk in love to those around you daily. Your kindness can turn things around.

PRAYER:   Father I believe you are working in my life. Even sometimes when it is hard to love help me do it anyway. I choose to move on and give up my right to be angry. Help me show kindness to those around me daily as that shows God's love as well. In Jesus name. Amen!

NOTE:
08/14/11 Love Worth Fighting For Marriage Event - LIVE
Kirk Cameron w/ Warren BarfieldDecatur, AL


For those who saw the movie 'Fireproof' it was an awesome movie. Currently Kirk Cameron is on the Love Worth Fighting For marriage tour across the US. Here in Huntsville it is this weekend. For info go to
http://www.feedyourfaith.org/tag/love-worth-fighting-for-tour/
This event for those married or getting married or anyone.