Love That Never Quits

"Love never fails." 
1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)

What keeps two people together when the feelings fade and the faults surface? 

I heard about a husband who was getting the cold shoulder from his wife for weeks. He was so unhappy that he finally confronted her. He said, "Linda, just admit it. The only reason you married me is because my grandfather left me $25 million." She said, "That's ridiculous. I don't care who left it to you."

That's commitment, not love! The reality is that commitment is what keeps you living in the same house. Love is what keeps you beating with the same heart. Commitment binds you. Love bonds you.

Paul saves the best for last when he says in 1 Corinthians 13:8, "Love never fails." How can he say that? Real love never fails because God is love. God doesn't just have love or do love. He IS love. And God never fails.

This secret sauce to marriage is a love that comes from above. Remember when Jesus gave the greatest commandment? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as you love yourself." You will never love your spouse the way that you should until you love God with all your heart. When you love God the most, you will love your spouse the best.

Today, before you work on your marriage, work on your relationship with God. Spend five minutes in prayer, not about your spouse, but simply loving God. Read one chapter of Scripture focusing on who God is, not what you need. Watch how loving Him first changes how you love everyone else.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for trying to love my spouse in my own strength. I can't manufacture the kind of love that never fails—only You can give that. Fill me with Your love today. As I draw closer to You, teach me to love my spouse with the same unfailing love You've shown me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.