Love isn't just for Valentine's Day...

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Love is a peculiar thing... it can often be a fleeting emotion or a stirring euphoria.   

Love is a verb - often encompassing the notion of cherishing or holding dear the object of your affection.

I Corinthians 13:4-8 is one of the most quoted Scripture passages in the Bible - especially during wedding ceremonies.

I began to think about Paul's reminder to those in Corinth (and to us as well) to use our spiritual gifts in love.

In Gary Chapman's book  The 5 Love Languages  he lists number 4 as "acts of service". That brought me to a place of self-reflection with regards to my parents, their care, and my involvement as their primary care-giver.  Am I using my "acts of service" Love Language  to help them?  How are they viewing it?

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo

If you're not familiar with my current situation in caring for my aging parents, my previous posts  Christmas - Keeping It Real  and  Moving Forward  will give you some background material. There are many decisions to be made in the near future concerning my parents that must be bathed in prayer and Godly wisdom.

Honoring my mother and father is my duty as a follower of Christ. That includes how I act and react to their ever-changing circumstances.

Here is my personal application of I Corinthians 13 to my recent interactions with my parents...

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up (vs 4)

     ~  I am learning to have patience in the little things.  Elderly parents don't like to have their schedules, daily routines, or personal "ways of doing things" changed.  Be careful not to over-inflate your ego regarding your care-giving or how much time you are spending on their behalf.  Don't be so full of yourself that you overlook their true needs and desires.  Simple loving actions mean the world to those who have limited mobility or can no longer come and go as they please.

... does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (vs 5)

     ~ Applying my Fruits of the Spirit are essential when ministering to my parents.  It is easy to get overwhelmed and lose your temper.  I often pray an SOS prayer for God to help me with my replies (words) and my body language (actions) so as not to offend them.  I have to take my thoughts captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and redirect my wayward mindset. 

... does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; (vs 6)

     ~  I continually ask God to forgive me when I knowingly sin. If I say I do not sin, I deceive myself (I John 1:8-9).  I rejoice in the truth that God's love prevails and that His Sovereign will reigns. No matter what I face during this time of turmoil and difficulty - God's love conquers all.

... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (vs 7)

     ~  There is nothing that I cannot do with God's help.  I may bear the brunt of yelling or others' frustrations, but I can treat them with respect and dignity.  I may be tired and discouraged, but I can extend grace and kindness. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)  

Love never fails (vs 8)

     ~  My love for my parents needs to be unconditional - as God's love is for us.  Agape love is Jesus living out through us in our actions and words.  We are an extension of Jesus' hands and feet.  "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 

 In the end, all I know is that my "acts of service" are just what my parents need right now.  I was out last week with their two little dogs, and I remember talking with the Lord while we walked.  I said, "Lord, thank you that I still have my parents and can minister to them through your strength."  "Thank you Lord that You are my loving motivator and You order my steps as I walk this path laid before me."

I encourage you to look deep within as you serve others and use God's gifts to bring Him glory...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

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Love isn't just for Valentine's Day...