Covenant Love: Strengthening Your Godly Marriage

Covenant Love: Strengthening Your Godly Marriage

Marriage, from a biblical perspective, is far more than a legal contract or an emotional partnership—it is a sacred covenant established before God. Covenant love is steadfast, sacrificial, and rooted in commitment rather than fleeting feelings. When husbands and wives understand and embrace covenant love, their marriage becomes a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church and a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

What Is Covenant Love?

A covenant is a solemn, binding promise. Unlike a contract, which is based on mutual benefit and can be dissolved when terms are not met, a covenant is rooted in unwavering commitment. God designed marriage as a covenant relationship, not merely a convenient arrangement.

Covenant Love Reflects God’s Faithful Love

One of the most beautiful aspects of covenant love is that it mirrors God’s own love for us. God’s love is not conditional; it is faithful, enduring, and unbreakable.

Lamentations 3:22–23 declares:

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

When spouses choose covenant love, they imitate this divine faithfulness. They remain committed even in difficult seasons, trusting that God is working in and through their marriage.

Covenant Love Requires Sacrificial Commitment

Covenant love is not always easy. It calls husbands and wives to die to self and serve one another with humility and grace. The ultimate model of sacrificial love is Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:25 instructs husbands:

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”

Christ’s love was sacrificial, selfless, and redemptive. In the same way, a godly marriage is strengthened when spouses prioritize each other’s needs, forgive quickly, and extend grace freely.

Likewise, wives are called to honor and support their husbands in love and respect (Ephesians 5:33). Biblical submission and humility create a strong spiritual foundation where covenant love can flourish.

Covenant Love: Strengthening Your Godly Marriage

Covenant Love Chooses Faithfulness Daily

Feelings may fluctuate, but covenant love chooses faithfulness every single day. Love, in Scripture, is an action more than an emotion.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 provides a powerful blueprint for marital love:

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind… beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

These qualities strengthen a marriage because they cultivate patience, trust, and endurance. Choosing kindness during conflict, believing the best about your spouse, and persevering through trials all reflect covenant love in action.

Covenant Love Is Rooted in Forgiveness

No marriage is perfect because no person is perfect. Covenant love understands this and makes room for forgiveness and restoration.

Colossians 3:13 teaches:

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another… even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

Holding onto bitterness weakens a marriage, but forgiveness strengthens it. When spouses extend grace, they allow healing and unity to take root. Forgiveness does not ignore wrongs; rather, it releases them to God and chooses reconciliation over resentment.

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Covenant Love Is Strengthened Through Prayer and Unity

A godly marriage cannot thrive apart from God. Prayer invites His presence into the relationship and aligns both hearts with His will.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us:

“A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

When husband, wife, and Christ are woven together, the marriage becomes resilient in the face of life’s challenges. Praying together, studying Scripture together, and seeking God’s guidance together strengthen both spiritual intimacy and emotional connection.

Covenant Love Bears Fruit Over Time

Covenant love grows deeper with time. It is refined through shared joys, trials, and seasons of growth. As couples remain faithful to their vows, their love matures into a steady, unshakable bond.

Romans 12:10 encourages:

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”

This verse calls spouses to continually show affection, honor, and preference toward one another. These intentional acts nourish covenant love and keep the marriage vibrant and Christ-centered.

Living Out Covenant Love in Your Marriage

Strengthening a godly marriage requires daily intentional choices. Speak life over your spouse, serve with humility, forgive quickly, and remain anchored in God’s Word. Covenant love does not give up when things are hard; it leans into God’s strength and presses forward in faith.

Remember, your marriage is a sacred covenant designed to reflect the love of Christ. As you walk in patience, sacrifice, forgiveness, and faithfulness, your marriage will not only be strengthened but will also glorify God and serve as a testimony of His enduring love.

By embracing covenant love, you build a marriage that stands firm—not because it is free from challenges, but because it is firmly rooted in the unchanging faithfulness of God.

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Covenant Love: Strengthening Your Godly Marriage

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A Faithful Valentine: A Heartwarming Love Story

A Faithful Valentine: A Heartwarming Love Story (A Short Story)

Harmony Hill was a small town nestled among rolling hills and blossoming cherry trees. As the fresh scents of the coming spring filled the air, the local community prepared for the annual Valentine’s Day festival. This particular year, the festival held a special significance for two young people whose lives were about to intertwine beautifully and in a Divine way.

Jacob, a dedicated youth pastor at Harmony Hill church, was known for his unwavering faith and uplifting spirit. He poured his heart into his ministry, nurturing the church's youth and guiding them through life’s challenges, always reminding them of God’s love for them and His sovereignty over their lives. As Valentine’s Day approached, Jacob found himself feeling a little lonely. He loved serving others but wondered when God might send that special someone into his life.

On the other side of town, Emma, an artist with a servant’s heart, carried the weight of her loneliness on her shoulders. She often volunteered at a local shelter, using her creativity to uplift struggling families. Although Emma was usually surrounded by people, she still felt isolated. She longed for a meaningful connection. Every Valentine’s Day, Emma would sketch heart-shaped designs, pouring her feelings into each one. She sometimes wrote Bible verses on the hearts, usually from 1 Corinthians 14:4-8.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

As the Valentine’s Day festival drew nearer, the organizers of the event announced a matchmaking event meant to foster friendships. Emma was planning to attend the event. She decided she might as well participate in the matchmaking event. She was excited but also nervous, knowing the matchmaking part of the festival was intended for people to connect on a deeper level.

Meanwhile, Jacob decided to step out of his comfort zone. He signed up for the matchmaking event, hoping to meet someone who shared his faith.

On the day of the Valentine’s Day festival, the grounds were decorated with pink and red balloons. The sounds of laughter echoed throughout the park where the festival was set up. Emma was setting up an art station filled with her favorite, uplifting masterpieces when she noticed Jacob organizing games and activities for the town’s youth.

Curious about Emma’s artwork, Jacob approached her to compliment her work. They began a conversation, and Emma felt drawn to Jacob’s gentle spirit. It was his sincere eyes that made her heart skip a beat. Jacob admired Emma’s enthusiasm and warmth. As they spoke, they discovered that they shared a love for serving others and a deep and genuine faith.

Their bond deepened as Jacob and Emma continued to prepare for the festival. Their booths were close to one another, so they had fun helping each other set up for the festival. They encouraged one another and prayed for God to use their gifts and talents to lead others to Him.

The matchmaking part of the festival was fun for both Jacob and Emma. It was a musical chairs-type game. Each of them met new people, sparked new friendships, and invited many people to church.

Jacob and Emma worked on outreach projects in the following weeks and months, combining Jacob’s ministry experience and Emma’s gift for art. Emma worked on artwork intended to attract young audiences. She and Jacob organized events where Emma’s artwork was displayed, and Jacob could minister to the attendees. They would often gift art pieces to those who attended their events, and every attendee received an invitation to church and a little pamphlet introducing the Roman Road to Salvation.

As Valentine’s Day came around again, Jacob’s youth group had grown in numbers three sizes from the year before. More important than the growth in numbers was the group’s spiritual growth. Jacob noticed his older youth members had matured and developed leadership skills that they used wisely to mentor younger youth members.

On the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, the pastor allowed time for sharing at the evening service. Jacob stood to share a testimony, reflecting on the beauty of God’s perfect timing. He shared how, when he had felt lonely, he had prayed for God’s guidance in his ministry and also for God to bring a special girl into his life someday. Jacob felt a sense of calm wash over him, realizing how deeply he had fallen for Emma.

After the service ended, the pastor invited everyone to the fellowship hall for an evening of dinner and fellowship. Jacob watched Emma interact with other women in the church, both older and younger. Emma had fit right in from her first day there. She was beautiful inside and out. Jacob could barely breathe, but he managed to regain his composure and courage.

Jacob slowly approached Emma, took her hand, and led her outside. Under a canopy of bright stars, he told Emma how he felt about her. Jacob expressed to Emma how God had perfectly placed her in his life.

With tears of joy in Emma’s eyes, she shared her own thoughts and feelings with Jacob, confirming that she felt the same way about him. They prayed together, asking God to bless their relationship, recognizing that He was Lord over them.

Jacob and Emma reentered the fellowship hall hand-in-hand. Surrounded by the people they love most in the world, family, and friends in the church where they loved serving, they realized that they had not only found love but also a partner with whom to share their faith journey.

Jacob and Emma’s story became a testament to the power of prayer and Divine timing. Together, they inspired others to remain hopeful for love built on a firm foundation of faith. Each Valentine’s Day that followed was a celebration not only of their romantic love but also a reminder of the importance of love designed by God in His perfect timing.

In Harmony Hill, the annual Valentine’s Day festival became a tradition where stories like Jacob and Emma bloomed. Many young men and women found their special someone at the annual festivals, and many Godly friendships blossomed as well. The town of Harmony Hill was a close-knit community where faith and love intertwined, demonstrating that when people seek God first, love can flourish in the most unexpected ways.

On Valentine’s Day, two years after Jacob and Emma met, they were married, surrounded by family and friends.

As the years passed, Jacob and Emma continued to serve their community, nurturing their love and faith together. Their journey taught everyone that the best relationships are founded not just on affection but on a shared belief in God.

Love, after all, transcends beyond mere romance; it lays the foundation for a life rich in faith, community, and purpose. And that is the heart of every love story worth telling, especially on Valentine’s Day.

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A Faithful Valentine: A Heartwarming Love Story

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Loving Difficult People: Learning to Love Like Jesus

Loving Difficult People: Learning to Love Like Jesus

Let’s be honest — loving difficult people isn’t easy. Whether it’s a classmate who constantly stirs up drama, a friend who betrays your trust, or a family member who seems impossible to please, loving them feels like a challenge we’d rather avoid. Yet as followers of Christ, we are called to something higher. Jesus didn’t just love those who were kind to Him — He loved those who mocked Him, betrayed Him, and even nailed Him to a cross.

The truth is, loving difficult people reveals how deeply we understand God’s love for us. It’s in those hard moments of frustration and hurt that we learn what it really means to love as Jesus loves.

Love When It’s Hard

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
— Luke 6:27–28 (NASB)

When someone mistreats us, our natural response is to defend ourselves or fight back. But Jesus challenges us to respond differently — with love. Loving someone who has hurt us doesn’t mean pretending the pain isn’t real. It means choosing to forgive, letting go of bitterness, and allowing God to heal our hearts.

Loving difficult people doesn’t excuse their actions; it frees us from carrying the burden of anger and resentment. Every time we choose love over retaliation, we are reflecting the heart of Jesus.

 Seeing Through Compassion

“Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”
— Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)

It’s often said that “hurt people hurt people.” Many who lash out at others are carrying hidden pain of their own. When we look beyond someone’s behavior and begin to see their brokenness, it becomes easier to respond with compassion instead of condemnation.

Ask God to help you see others the way He sees them — not as enemies, but as people in need of grace. Compassion doesn’t justify wrongdoing, but it helps you respond with gentleness and understanding instead of anger.

Setting Boundaries in Love

“Do not make friends with a person given to anger, or go with a hot-tempered person, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.”
— Proverbs 22:24–25 (NASB)

Loving difficult people doesn’t mean allowing them to mistreat you. God calls us to love others wisely. Setting healthy boundaries is one way we protect our peace and honor the Lord. Sometimes, loving someone means loving them from a distance — praying for them, forgiving them, but not allowing them to continually cause harm.

Boundaries are not barriers to love; they are fences that protect your heart so it can keep loving without growing bitter or weary.

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Praying for Those Who Hurt You

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
— Matthew 5:44 (NASB)

Prayer changes everything — especially your heart. When you begin praying for someone who has hurt you, your focus shifts from the offense to the One who can heal. It’s nearly impossible to hate someone you consistently lift up in prayer. As you pray, God softens your heart and teaches you to love beyond your own strength.

Becoming More Like Jesus

“Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.”
— Romans 12:17–18 (NASB)

Every time you choose love when it’s hard, you become more like Jesus. His love is patient, kind, and unconditional — even toward those who don't deserve it. When you love difficult people, you are living out the Gospel in real time. You’re showing the world what it means to follow Christ not just in words, but in action.

Loving difficult people is one of the greatest tests of faith. It stretches you, humbles you, and strengthens your relationship with God. Remember, Jesus loves you even when you’re difficult too — and His love never fails.

Reflect and Apply

• Who in your life is hard to love right now?

• Have you asked God to help you see them through His eyes?

• What boundaries might you need to set to love them wisely and peacefully?

Pray for that person today. Ask God to give you a heart that loves as He loves — full of compassion, grace, and forgiveness.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you or your teen are struggling to love someone who’s hard to love, I have for you a 7-Day Devotional for Teens: Loving Difficult People to help you grow in grace, forgiveness, and Christlike love.  Each day includes a Bible verse, insight, and journaling space for reflection.

👉 You can find it here!

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Loving Difficult People: Learning to Love Like Jesus

My husband and I have been married for almost 32 years. Yes, he still takes my breath away, but the love we share is also a choice. It’s a Biblical love because we are in a Biblical marriage. The Bible has a lot to say about love. In fact, someone once said that the Bible is God’s love letter to us. I agree. What does the Bible say about love, you might ask? Well, let’s take a look at the following Bible verses about love.

Bible Verses About Love

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8

Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance. Jude 1:2

Bible Verses About Love

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned. Song of Solomon 8:7-8

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8

Hate stirs up conflict but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

This is a short list. To read a lot more about what the Bible says about love, I suggest that you get a good study Bible with a concordance. You can look up the word “love” in the concordance and get a list of Bible verses that contain the word “love” in the verse. 

Another suggestion is to subscribe to BibleGateway. You can use BibleGateway for free but subscribers get access to many reference materials including good commentaries. I subscribe and I LOVE it.

This post wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t include 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. 1 Corinthians 13 is widely known as “The Love Chapter.” Love is a hard word to describe but this chapter in the Bible beautifully describes what love is. Here is 1 Corinthians 13 in its entirety.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

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

Love 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. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

The Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians 13

Bible Verses About Love

Bible Verses for Valentine's Day: Celebrating Faith and Love

Bible Verses for Valentine's Day: Celebrating Faith and Love

Valentine's Day is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating love and affection. While traditional gifts and romantic gestures are customary, incorporating scripture into your expressions of love can add a meaningful touch. This Valentine’s Day, consider sharing or reflecting on Bible verses that beautifully capture love as God intended it.  The Bible offers insights into what true love means, emphasizing not just romantic relationships but also the love we share with family, friends, and even our community. Here are some beautiful Bible verses for Valentine's Day that can inspire your Valentine's Day celebrations.  Each verse here is written in the NASB translation.

Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 

This passage defines love in its purest form, making it a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day. It highlights the virtues of patience and kindness, qualities vital to every healthy relationship. Sharing this verse with your spouse can remind both of you to embody these principles as you grow together.

Put me like a seal over your heart,
Like a seal on your arm.
For love is as strong as death,
Jealousy is as severe as Sheol;
Its flames are flames of fire,
The flame of the Lord.
Many waters cannot quench love,
Nor will rivers flood over it;
If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love,
It would be utterly despised. Song of Solomon 8:6-7

This poetry from Song of Solomon speaks to the intensity and strength of true love. It’s a beautiful reminder that love is powerful and enduring, making it an ideal verse to share during your Valentine’s Day celebrations.

We love, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

This verse underscores the foundation of all love in our lives—God’s love for us. As you celebrate Valentine's Day, reflect on how this Divine love inspires your relationships.  We should thank God for showing us how to love others, because after all, He loved us first.

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Ephesians 4:2-3

This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and patience in relationships. It’s a gentle reminder that love requires effort and understanding. This Valentine's Day, consider how you can foster peace and unity in your relationships.

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and a good reputation
In the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

Proverbs encourages us to cherish love and faithfulness. This verse is great for reflecting on the importance of commitment in relationships. Share it with your loved ones to express your dedication to nurturing your relationships with them.

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Incorporating these Bible verses into your Valentine’s Day celebrations can enhance the spirit of love and gratitude that this day represents. Whether through a heartfelt card, a social media post, or a personal reflection, sharing scripture fosters a deeper connection and appreciation for love. Celebrate love with both words and actions, reminding yourself and those around you that love is a precious gift given to us by God. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Bible Verses for Valentine's Day: Celebrating Faith and Love

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1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Every year, from February 1st to February 14th, we probably read 1 Corinthians, chapter 13 more often than usual.  The Scripture passage is well-known as The Love Chapter.  As Valentine's Day quickly approaches, let's take a closer took at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. I Corinthians 14:4-8 (NIV)

A Closer Look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient.

Some versions read "love is long-suffering."  It is one thing to be patient, but long suffering implies a deeper meaning.  Dictionary.com tells us the word "patient" means quietly and steadily persevering, while "long-suffering" means long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation (something that incites, instigates, angers, or irritates).  You see, the word long suffering is much more than just waiting on someone to ask you out on a date or waiting for your husband or wife to apologize for something they've done or not done, probably without ill-will.  Long suffering is a love that reaches beyond the deep pain of intentional hurt and heartache.  A long suffering love will love past the intentional act of hurt aimed directly at you.  If you are thinking that this kind of love is impossible, you might be right, but only impossible without Jesus.  Only He can help us practice a long-suffering love.

Love is kind.  

We are taught that kindness is a character trait and it is.  A person is either kind or not-king, but the kindness in 1 Corinthians 13 is an active kindness.  The Believers Bible Commentary refers to this kindness as an active goodness.  It is something we do, not for ourselves, but in the interest of others.  

Love does not envy.

We usually think of envy as jealousy.  Jealousy is a synonym of envy and I think we have all experienced jealousy at some point.  I also think social media has made envy more powerful.  We compare ourselves to others more often as we scroll past small snapshots of the best moments in the lives of others.  We need to keep jealousy in check, because this Biblical definition of envy-free love means that we not just tolerate the successes of others, but we should be happy for their accomplishments.  We should celebrate the successes of others and avoid giving the enemy a playing field in this area of our lives.

Love does not boast.

Let's piggy-back this section on the heels of the last one.  Just like love does not envy when others are successful, we shouldn't boast about our own successes either.  It's OK to let others know we've achieved something we've worked hard to achieve, but not in such a way that makes us feel better than others.  The definition of the word "boast" means "to speak with exaggeration and excessive pride."  Did you notice the words "excessive" and "pride?"  Let's not be jealous when others are successful, and let's not be excessively prideful over our own accomplishes either.  Let's keep it all in its proper place and if we strive to always life others above ourselves, this is easier to do.

Love is not proud.

There is that "pride" word again.  Some versions say that love is not "puffed up."  As believers, we should already know that nothing have is our own, but gifts from God instead.  We have nothing to be prideful about.  It is by God's grace and mercy alone that we even live and breathe.  There is nothing prideful about love.

Love does not dishonor others.

Love leaves no room for rudeness.  Dishonoring others is the opposite of loving them.  Love is always considerate of others.  

Love is not self-seeking.

As believers, we are children of God.  Our mission here on earth is to tell others about God's plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.  Someone once said, "I'm here to take as many people to Heaven with me as I can."  We should always be seeking ways to benefit others, not ourselves.

Love is not easily angered.

True love is able to suffer through pettiness.  Remember "long-suffering?"  For the benefit, and maybe even the eternity of the offender, we can call on Jesus to help us shorten our fuses and not be easily angered.

Love keeps no record of wrongs.

This one is a really tough one.  Once someone has wronged us, it is difficult to forget it.  How often do we bring up past offenses?  Truth be told, we all do it and maybe more often than any of us want to admit.  This is a tough one for me personally, but we can put wrongs behind us if we rely on the Holy Spirit to help us.  

Love does not delight in evil.

God is love.  The opposite of love is hate or evil.  Therefore hate and evil are the very core of Satan's character.  We should never ever celebrate evil.  Our culture tells us that in order to love others, we have to also love the sin they are involved in.  Well, we are all sinners.  Jesus showed us how to treat others when he called out their sin, but He told them to sin no more.  We are to love the sinner, but hate the sin.  We are to hate their sin, our sin, all sin.  By calling sin what it is and showing others who Jesus is, we are offering the real love we all need, the same love that Jesus offers.

Love rejoices with the truth.

We are never to delight in evil, but we are to always rejoice in the truth.  The Believer's Bible Commentary had this to say about these last two points.

There is a certain mean streak in human nature which takes pleasure in what is unrighteous, especially if an unrighteous act seems to benefit one’s self. This is not the spirit of love. Love rejoices with every triumph of the truth.  

It is as simple as this.  Satan is the author of confusion, sin, and lies.  God is the author of sound mind, purity, and truth.  We cannot have it both ways.  We must choose one.  Choose wisely.  Choose truth.

Love always protects.

Believers have the resources to protect others against evil.  We have God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit.  We have His Word.  It is our responsibility to protect others and lead them to a saving relationship with Jesus.

Love always trusts.

Love always trusts God, His Word, the Gospel, and truth.  We must be careful to not put our trust in the wrong place.  We cannot trust the lies and snares of the enemy, but we can always trust God and His plan for our lives even when things don't work out like we planned and even when He doesn't answer in the way we hoped He would.

Love always hopes.

Love never gives up.  Love always hopes for things to work out for the best.  As we stated above, love always hopes for the best even when God's plan doesn't line up with our own.  Our hope is in Him, not ourselves.

Love always perseveres.

The definition of the word persevere is "to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly." My eyes concentrated a little longer on the words "maintain a purpose."  Our purpose is to lead others to Jesus.  Love maintains this purpose against all obstacles and discouragement.   

Love never fails.

There is no better way to explain it.  No matter the what, love never fails.  This is a beautiful truth.

There is a whole lot of love language packed into those 5 sweet Bible verses.  I know Valentine's Day is a day set aside for romantic love, but so many people out there have been shown so little love in any of its true forms.  Maybe we can take some extra time this week to think about what real love is and share it with others.

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A Closer Look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

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Valentine's Day Date Night Ideas for Busy and Tired Parents

Hey busy and tired parents!  With Valentine's Day approaching, you might be sneaking in your secret Valentine's Day gifts for your spouse or frantically grabbing those delivered packages from your front porch before your husband or your wife finds them.  You might be trying to figure out how to spend a few hours of romantic time alone on this special day, but with a growing and active family, finding time alone can be challenging.  Then, you might have to pay a baby sitter so you can enjoy a meal at your favorite restaurant.  Valentine's Day can be a lot of fun, but it can also be expensive and even a little frustrating when you're trying to make your plans work out.  However, Valentine's Day dates don't need to be extravagant.  There are plenty of ways for you to celebrate the holiday without even leaving your home.  Here is a list of Valentine's Day date night ideas for all you busy and tired parents out there.

Valentine's Day Date Night Ideas for Busy and Tired Parents

Many of us can relate to the feeling of exhaustion that comes with parenting. Between changing diapers, preparing meals, cleaning up messes, and trying to keep the peace, it's no wonder that many parents feel too tired to even think about planning a date night. However, date nights are essential for maintaining a healthy and strong relationship with your spouse. They provide opportunities for couples to reconnect and remind each other of why they fell in love in the first place.

So, here is a list of simple and enjoyable date night ideas that won't leave you feeling more exhausted.

Have a picnic in your living room. It's simple, inexpensive, and you don't have to worry about finding a babysitter.

Watch a movie or a TV show together after the kids are in bed.  The Lost Valentine is a good move suggestion.  You can watch the movie trailer here.

The Lost Valentine is available here.

Have a game night. You can play board games, card games, or video games

Do both you and your spouse enjoy cooking? Try a new recipe together. It's a fun way to bond and you get to enjoy a delicious meal at the end.

The Valentine's Day cookbook is available here.

Go for a walk or a jog together. You might need a baby sitter for this one, but it's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy some fresh air.

Have a karaoke night. Just don't sing too loudly or you'll wake up the kids. 😀

Do a puzzle together. 

Have a book club night. You can read the same book and then discuss it together. You'll have to plan ahead for this idea so you'll both be finished with the book by Valentine's Day.

Love Dare is available here.

Have a craft night. You can make something together, like a scrapbook or a piece of art.

Have a gardening night. You can plant something together and watch it grow over time.

Have a meditation night. Calm your mind and relax your body by memorizing scripture together. Choose several verses that you both consider favorites. Then, meditate on them and memorize them together.

Have a stargazing night. You can look at the stars and learn about different constellations while marveling at God's creations.

Have a DIY pottery night. You can make something beautiful and functional together. If you don't have a real pottery wheel, you can find clay suitable for molding in most craft stores.

Here is another suggestion.

This pottery wheel kit is available here.

Remember, date nights don't have to be expensive or extravagant. The most important thing is that you are spending quality time together, reconnecting, and having fun. So, this Valentine's Day, try one of these date night ideas and enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable evening with your spouse.

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Happy Valentine's Day!

Tina