Bible Verses that Explore My Opinions and Views on Love

First of all, I think that one of the greatest things, if not the greatest thing ever is "to love and be loved." If in this lifetime you are given the chance to be with that one person who melts your heart and makes you feel like you are everything to them, you are truly blessed. I have been given that great gift, and I have found the man that I know in my heart is "the one" I am supposed to be with. I love him dearly, and I thank God for allowing him to be a part of my life.

With that said, I would like to explore a few verses which come from my favorite book of all time, the Bible. In 1 Corinthians chapter 13, verses 4-8, you can find true depictions of love. This is love in its purest form, and though I know I could never attain the goal of being this pure and this wholesome in love, I still try to base all of my relationships around these verses.

Love is patient- To me this means that when you love someone you don't make demands of them. You have the willingness and desire to wait on them to make decisions and do things in their own time.

Love is kind- This means that you are nice and respectful of those you love, not degrading and mean

Love does not envy- This is one that I struggle with the most. I always have had issues with jealousy, especially in a relationship. Not that I am jealous of my loved ones, but I am jealous of the other people in their life who I feel may take more priority than me. This envy that I feel is a sin, and what this verse is saying is that love does not envy, rather it accepts and understands.

Love does not boast- This means that you don't go out and brag about your accomplishments. Yes, of course everyone gets a little cocky at times and reflects on the great things they have done, but I think this means that you don't over-exaggerate your good deeds.

Love is not proud- I consider this to mean that you shouldn't put yourself above others just because you look a certain way or have material things. Everyone is equal in God's eyes, and we shouldn't stick our noses into the air when facing others, or be judgmental.

Love is not rude- This simply means that you shouldn't be degrading. You should not knock another down to build yourself up. You should let everyone have their time to shine.

Love is not self-seeking- This means that you don't try to take all of the credit for something. You should give others a chance instead of insisting on being the top dog or head of the crowd.

Love is not easily angered- This is another one that I really seem to struggle with. Not that I get furious, but small things that my loved ones do can trigger some negative emotions. I know that is a problem, and it is something which I am working on with God. I know that I shouldn't lose my temper when things don't go my way, however it can be difficult.

Love keeps no record of wrongs- This means that when you love someone, you don't hold grudges against them. Sure, everyone makes mistakes, but once you forgive them, you should let it go. I recently had a very serious experience with this in my current relationship. I made a huge mistake, and my boyfriend did forgive me, but I know he struggles with wiping the slate clean and letting it go. Every now and then he will bring it up, but then he apologizes because he knows that he shouldn't keep the record down.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth- This one is plainly written. Love doesn't look for the bad, it doesn't seek wrong-doings. Instead, it is overwhelmed with joy at the good in the world.

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres- I believe this is so important, that you always keep trusting and hoping and persevering in a relationship, and especially that you don't give up.

Love never fails

*And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. -1 Corinthians 13:13

Now you too can see these Bible verses through my eyes. I believe they are a crucial part of any relationship and set a great standard to live by. Although sin gets in the way, I believe it is possible to adhere to these guidelines when you are completely in love with the Lord. Trust in him, and he will lead you.

NIV Bible: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, 13