Love never fails – at least that’s what 1 Corinthians 13 tells us. When we stop and really think about these words and believe them and apply them-that’s when we appropriate their incredible power to transform ourselves and our marriages. Love never fails!
Love Never Fails to Appear in Non-Verbal Expression
If I were to speak with eloquence in earth’s many languages, and in the heavenly tongues of angels, yet I didn’t express myself with love, my words would be reduced to the hollow sound of nothing more than a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:1 TPT
When I speak to my husband, the words he hears are not as important as my non-verbals. They say something like 80% of our communication is not the words we speak, it’s the non-verbals. What am I saying with my tone of voice, facial expressions and body language?
It’s said that what’s in your heart is on your face. If that sounds scary to you, go to God for transformation. He can heal your heart so only love, joy, and peace leak out. You will be healthy and so will your communication.
Your husband, on the receiving end, will be blessed with your expression of love.
Love Never Fails to Show up in Humility
And if I were to have the gift of prophecy with a profound understanding of God’s hidden secrets, and if I possessed unending supernatural knowledge, and if I had the greatest gift of faith that could move mountains, but have never learned to love, then I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2 TPT
Are you like me-do you love learning about God’s word? Many women tell me they are more spiritual than their husbands.
Years ago I studied God from afar. I memorized a lot of Scripture and led women’s Bible studies. Those are all great things but without a deep abiding personal relationship with my Abba, they are nothing.
I’m afraid I used the precious words of God to show my superiority over my husband. That is never loving!
I let God into to my personal life, listening to His voice and being filled with His love. I humbly applied the Scripture I was memorizing and Bible studies I was teaching to myself, asking Jesus to change me to be more like Him.
My humble heart spoke volumes to my husband in a way that pride never could.
Love Never Fails to Emerge in my Work for God
And if I were to be so generous as to give away everything I owned to feed the poor, and to offer my body to be burned as a martyr, without the pure motive of love, I would gain nothing of value.
1 Corinthians 13:3 TPT
Women are prone to carrying the weight of the world. Ask any massage therapist about the knots they find in women’s shoulders!
I remember feeling totally overwhelmed as a young mom with a husband who worked long hours and traveled overseas regularly. My frequent companions were resentful thoughts as I struggled to keep up. Instead of love being my motivation I relied on pity parties instead.
- “I have to do everything around here.”
- “If I want it done right, I have to do it myself.”
I didn’t comprehend how much joy I could have in these menial tasks if my heart was filled with God’s love for me. I began to cultivate thankfulness into my life. I had a lot to be thankful for! My motivation became grateful joy for all He has done for me.
…because U count, deb